One of the great beauties of Ohio is the change of seasons we enjoy - along the fruits that come with those seasons. Here, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and more can all be grown and enjoyed in the moment - or canned or frozen and saved for later.
While it can be challenging to grow these fruits at home or in a large quantity - don’t fret! Many local markets and orchards offer what is called “pick your own” opportunities. These are designated days, times and hours of operations where anyone can show up, pick fruits and then have them weighed for purchase.
Last year I enjoyed picking 8 quarts strawberries by hand, some of which I used to make homemade jam. Picking by hand is a wonderful way to connect with nature, enjoy time with your loved ones, friends and family! Because crops and picking conditions are heavily dependent on the weather, calling ahead to the farm or orchard to confirm availability and picking times is advised.
• Apple Picking at MacQueen Apple Orchard (Holland, Ohio) - This orchard near Toledo is a popular pick-your-own venue come fall. The orchard hosts the Apple Butter Stir Festival annually the first weekend in October featuring live entertainment, contests and more. Here you can pick your own apples including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Ida Red and Granny Smith, purchase and taste apple cider and other farm fresh fruits, jams, jellies and baked goods! There is also a gift boutique and Christmas shop on site.
• Strawberry Picking at Fitch’s Farm Market (Avon, Ohio) - Depending on the weather, strawberry picking season usually kicks off late May to early June at this market just west of Cleveland. Patrons here grab a few baskets for picking and take short ride to the field on a trailer. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for what can be muddy fields. Berries are large, sweet and will go quickly! Find updates on picking times via the farm’s website and Facebook page.
• Blueberry Picking at The Blueberry Patch (Mansfield, Ohio) - Visit this farm just north of Columbus for prime blueberry picking, which typically kicks off at the beginning of July. Join the patch’s email list for updates on the picking season. Here, more than 27 blueberry varieties are grown, allowing the picking season to be extended to the max! Three and six pound buckets available for your picking pleasure.
• Stone Fruit & Blackberry Picking at Burnham Orchards (Berlin Heights, Ohio) - While you can also pick apples at this orchard, which is located near Sandusky, Burnham Orchards also offers "U-Pick" peaches, blackberries and cherries! Picking times vary depending on each individual fruit. Almost 3,000 people follow the Burnham Orchards Facebook page for updates on the season. During your visit, be sure to check out Grandma Bea’s Bakery to purchase homemade fruit pies, cookies, donuts and more!
Looking for more picking options? PickYourOwn.org is an independent website offering listings of locations where the public can pick fruit and vegetables for purchase. A search function offers listings for all of Ohio from Cleveland, to Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and Eastern and Southern Ohio.
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