In this guide, we will take you on a journey around the USA, exploring the ‘best fruit-picking seasons by region‘ and sharing some insider tips on where to find, for example, the most ‘popular apple orchards in New York.’ Along the way, we’ll highlight the multitude of flavors and the variety of nutritious benefits that the USA’s fruits offer.
Seasonal Fruit Availability by Region
Stop 1, New England and specifically Massachusetts. Strawberries are ready between early/mid-June to mid-July, closely followed by blueberries from mid-July to the end of August. If you’re a fan of peaches, make sure to plan your visit between mid-July and September. Autumn brings the apple harvest, with the season running from August through November, and pumpkin picking runs from September to October.
Sunny California, particularly Oak Glen, is our next stop. Apples are in season from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, an excellent opportunity for holiday fruit picking. July brings an abundance of berries, peaches, and corn.
When thinking of ‘popular apple orchards in New York,’ countless options spanning acres upon acres of vibrant apple trees come to mind. As for ‘top berry farms in North Carolina,’ the season starts mid-June and lasts until the end of August. Traverse City in Michigan, known for having some of the ‘best cherry orchards ever,’ welcomes cherry pickers from July to mid-August. While Georgia, renowned for its juicy and succulent peaches, kicks off its peach season from May to September. Next, we head to sun-kissed Florida, famous for citrus fruits which are usually ready in the winter months. We conclude our itinerary in the Pacific Northwest, where you can hunt for huckleberries from mid-August to mid-September.
Popular Fruit-Picking Locations
Massachusetts boasts bountiful farms and orchards, each offering a unique fruit-picking experience. Moving to ‘popular apple orchards in New York,’ think Apple Ridge Orchards, Barton Orchards, each with unique offerings and memorable experiences. ‘Top berry farms in North Carolina’ include the likes of Blueberry Thrill Farm and Perry’s Berrys Vineyard & Winery. Prefer cherries? Traverse City’s cherry-picking sites, like Hallstedt Homestead and Santucci Farm, are sure to delight. ‘Top peach farms in Georgia,’ like Pearson Farm and Lane Southern Orchards, are bastions of sweet, juicy peaches while notable ‘citrus groves to visit in Florida’ include Showcase of Citrus and Boyett’s Grove.
Detailed Fruit Profiles and Best Practices
Whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, cherries, citrus, or huckleberries, each fruit brings its unique flavor and a host of nutritional benefits. The history and cultural significance of these fruits are a fascinating aspect that adds depth to our fruit-picking adventures. After making our pick, the next big question is what is the best way to handle and store our fresh produce? Here are a few tips straight from seasoned fruit picking enthusiasts!
Enriching the Fruit-Picking Experience
The fruit-picking experience can be made even more wholesome by trying seasonal recipes featuring our freshly picked produce. Local chefs often incorporate the season’s best into their culinary creations. Developing sample itineraries, complete with transportation and accommodation recommendations, can significantly enhance fruit-picking trips. Adding an extra touch are stories and insider tips from local farmers and fruit-pickers, making us appreciate the effort that goes into each pluck.
