The gorgeous summer weather is here, and it’s perfect for spending time picking blueberries or raspberries.
According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, this year marks the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville selling the first commercial crop of blueberries in Whitesbog, N.J. You can join in on the birthday celebration by sharing photos of the ways you enjoy blueberries and using #HappyBdayBlueberries on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Blueberries are a great source of nutrients, too. With only 80 calories per serving (one cup) they’re an easy and delicious addition to any meal. Plus, they pack vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese to help round out your nutrient goals.
In Michiana, we have plenty of great places to visit that offer u-pick blueberries — and raspberries and blackberries! — through July and August. Get pickin’!
Did we miss your favorite place to pick? Let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to add it to the list!
Blueberries and Blackberries
The Berry Patch: 8171 West 300 North, Etna Green
U-pick and ready-pick blueberries will be ready beginning around July 10. The patch is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Big Head Farm: 3835 Pier Road, Benton Harbor, Mich.
Blueberry picking in the small patch has begun, though many are still ripening. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Blue Barn Berry Farm: 9139 N. 300 E., Syracuse
Blueberries are ready early July and blackberries in late July. The now has a country market and event building with vegetables, fruits, honey, jams, jellies and smoothies. Visit the website for more information. July hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. The farm is closed Wednesday and Sunday.
Beech Road Blueberry Farm: 67041 Beech Road, Wakarusa
The farm provides buckets for picking, but customers are asked to bring take-home containers. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday until mid-August.
Blueberry Ranch: 54743 Buckeye Road, Mishawaka
Grows USDA-certified organic blueberries. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The ranch accepts credit cards and Apple Pay.
Bredeweg Acres: 2268 W. Rockey Weed Road, Stevensville, Mich.
Established in 1988, the farm sells blueberries during the summer and Christmas trees in the winter. The owners hope to open for the season on July 8. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Eckler Farms: 1879 Barron Lake Road, Niles, Mich., 269-683-2509
The farm offers u-pick blueberries, and black and red raspberries. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call to confirm field conditions.
The Extraordinary Berry: 3091 Riverside Road, Benton Harbor, Mich., 269-470-4645
Blueberries and red raspberries are currently available, and blackberries, peaches and plums will be available later in July.
Jones Berry Farm: 9245 Gast Road, Bridgman, Mich., 269-465-4745
The u-pick blueberry season is tentatively slated to begin July 8. The farm offers more than six varieties of blueberries throughout the season, including Blue Crop and Jersey. Buckets are provided for picking, and take-home containers are available, but it’s suggested you bring your own. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Lehman’s Orchard: 2280 Portage Road, Niles, Mich., 269-428-7062
Fresh blueberries, raspberries and currants are now available for picking at the orchard. The market is open during the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Lemon Creek Winery and Farm Market: 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs, Mich., 269-471-1321
The farm market at the winery is now offering blueberries, red raspberries and apricots. Peaches, plums and nectarines will be available for purchase in late July.
Nye’s Apple Barn: 3151 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Mich., 269-429-0596
The store is now selling fresh, local blueberries, red and black raspberries, sweet and tart cherries, green beans, shelled peas, cucumbers, zucchini and yellow squash. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For up to date information on fruit and vegetable availability, check Nye’s Facebook page.
Pickin’ Patch: 2811 US Highway 31, Plymouth, 574-784-2905
The Pickin’ Patch is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and some Saturdays. Offers blueberries, both u-pick and already picked. Call to confirm picking time.
Rambo Blueberries: 11306 Gast Road, Bridgman, Mich., 269-426-4074
Blueberry picking will begin July 9 at 10 a.m. There will be u-pick and ready picked blueberries available for purchase. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cash and check only, no credit cards.
Stover’s Farm Market and U-Pic: 7837 M-139, Berrien Springs, 269-471-1401
Fresh fruit is available for picking including blueberries, black raspberries, and sweet and tart cherries. Hours for u-pic are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
More places to find blueberries
Craig’s Blueberries, 7446 N 750 W., Etna Green
Fish Lake Organic Berry Patches, 62801 E. Co. Line Rd., Goshen, 574-642-3014
U-pick blueberries at 24576 Heaton Lake Road, Elkhart
Raspberries
Briar Patch Farm: 1274 West County Line Road, Walkerton
Organic black raspberries grown with no synthetic chemicals. Wild blackberries are also available. The farm picks once a day and sells berries at a self-serve stand, open all day every day.
Frank Farms: 8249 Deans Hill Road, Berrien Center, Mich., 269-461-4125
Red and black raspberries are now available for u-pick for $2.50 per pound. Peaches will be available at the end of July. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Neibert’s: 5017 Armstrong Road/ C.R. 500 N, Leesburg
Sells black raspberries from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Offers both u-pick and ready-pick options.
U-pick raspberries at 18145 C.R. 2, Bristol, 574-206-5057. There are 28 varieties of raspberries and 14 different varieties of blackberries to choose from as well as red currants. Call to schedule appointments for Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Equipment is furnished.
Source: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Need ideas for what to do with all those berries? See Flavor 574’s Pinterest board of berry recipes.
The post Where to find Michiana blueberries and raspberries appeared first on Flavor 574.