2024 Orange County in Southeast NY Summer Squash U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Summer Squash U-Pick farms in Orange County in Southeast NY in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick farms for summer squash that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have summer squash orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Orange County

• Ochs Orchard - apples, apricots, beans, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs or spices, kale, nectarines, other berries, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, petting zoo, farm animals
  4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, NY 10990. Phone: (845) 986-1591. Email: JKOchs1591@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is June through December every day 9am to 6pm; Farm market open January through May, please call for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Ochs Orchard Facebook page. . . Strawberries June Cherries late June to early July Blueberries July to August Blackberries July to August Peaches July to September Veggies August to October Apples Late August to October Pumpkins September to October. We are best known for our spectacular views. Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket and while you are picking in the orchard, enjoy. Our petting zoo has ducks, miniature goats, "Misty" the Sicilian donkey and "Eeyore" the miniature donkey. On the weekends, we have a variety of baked goods & pies. We offer a wide variety of our own homemade ice cream. Many flavors made from fruits we grow right here. On weekends in the fall, we also provide hot food from our eatery with-in the store. Come on in to our beautiful room with tables & chairs to enjoy your lunch. Also, near the farm market you can enjoy our Pick-Your Own flower garden. The butterflies are waiting for you! Typical (emphasis on typical) harvest start dates (month / day) for our varieties are Jersey Mac 8/13; Zesta 8/20; Ginger Gold 8/25; Pristine 8/25; Paula Red 9/01; Jonamac 9/09; Gala 9/09; Honey Crisp 9/10; Tsugaru 9/12; R.I. Greening 9/12; McIntosh 9/12; Cortland 9/18; Macoun 9/25; Red Delicious 9/25; Empire 9/27; Golden Delicious 10/10; Cameo 10/10; Spigold 10/15; Jonagold 10/15; Mutsu/Crispin 10/15; Rome 10/22; Fuji 10/25; Stayman 10/25. (UPDATED: June 03, 2020)

 

Pick Your Own Farms!

Summer Squash Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Summer squash comes in many varieties and sizes. Choosing a summer squash that meets your needs and the taste you will like can be tough without a guide!  This page provides you that information, plus nutritional analysis and links to our freezing and canning pages!

Summer squash is best when harvested very young and used right away,

The yellow and orange flesh of the summer squash is nutritious and rich in vitamins,

Size:

Younger small summer squash are almost always better, with firmer flesh and smaller seeds

Appearance:

For a quality squash, choose one that has a smooth, shiny skin and is free of cracks, wrinkles or soft spots. .

Picking the squash

It's best to use a knife and cut through the stem that attaches the squash to the rest of the plant. Some squashes can be snapped off without a knife but you may damage the plant, so a knife is best. 

Storing Summer Squash

Summer squash do not have a long shelf life and require refrigeration except for a few hours. Even in a fridge, they should be used within a few days as they will begin to become soft and dry out after a few days. Cut pieces of squash should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Luckily, cut squash can be frozen for use later. .

Varieties of Summer Squash

Below are the most popular summer squash varieties. Each variety has its own unique flavor and texture, making them versatile ingredients in a variety of dishes

Name	Photo	Description	Best uses
Zucchini		Versatile and can be used in various dishes such as saute's, stir-fries, grilled, roasted, or baked into bread or muffins.	Straight, cylindrical green squash with a smooth skin.
Yellow Crookneck		Distinctive curved neck with yellow skin and a bulbous base.	Ideal for grilling, saute'ing, or as a colorful addition to salads and soups.
Costata Romanesco		Ribbed Italian zucchini with dark green stripes.	Perfect for slicing and grilling, or used in pasta dishes and frittatas.
Cousa		Middle Eastern variety with light green or pale yellow skin.	Often stuffed and baked, used in stews, or sliced and added to soups.
Eight Ball		Small, round zucchini with dark green skin.	Perfect for stuffing, grilling, or slicing into rounds for saute's and stir-fries.
Greyzini		Unique hybrid between zucchini and pattypan squash.	Can be used interchangeably with zucchini and pattypan in various recipes.
Pattypan		Small, round or scallop-shaped squash with pale green or yellow skin.	Great for stuffing, roasting, steaming, or slicing and using in stir-fries or salads.
Sunburst		Small, scallop-shaped squash with yellow skin and scalloped edges.	Great for grilling, saute'ing, or using as an attractive garnish for dishes.
Ronde de Nice		Small, round zucchini with pale green skin.	Ideal for stuffing, roasting, or slicing and adding to soups and stews.
Yellow Crookneck		Distinctive curved neck with yellow skin and a bulbous base.	Ideal for grilling, saute'ing, or as a colorful addition to salads and soups.
Yellow Straightneck		Similar to yellow crookneck, but with a straight neck and yellow skin.	Excellent for grilling, saute'ing, or slicing into salads and stir-fries.

 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers