U-Pick Raspberries
The King Orchards Guide to U-Pick Raspberries
We're Open for U-Pick Raspberries from July-September
King Orchards U-Pick raspberries are a delicious, easy-to-pick fruit you can enjoy with breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. We grow ever-bearing varieties which means we have them available throughout the summer and fall. When you visit our raspberry patch you’ll find bushes covered in berries, in all their stages of ripening. Because raspberries don’t ripen after picking, you’ll want to look for the sweetest, ripest raspberries on the bush.
Read on for Our Guide to Everything U-Pick Raspberries…
How to Identify a perfectly ripe raspberry:
Look For a Raspberry That’s Fully Formed
Fully formed raspberries (like the ones pictured below) have developed the classic cup-like raspberry shape. They have a soft, fuzzy exterior that’s plump and easy to press between your fingers with just the slightest touch.
Raspberries that are not yet fully formed (like the ones pictured below) are smaller and firmer to the touch. They haven’t acquired the familiar, domed shape of a ripe raspberry yet.
Pro Tip: When berries and fruits are clustered together, they’re forced to split resources. You’ll often find the tastiest fruit in uncrowded places, because they get all the nearby nutrients to themselves.
Look For a Raspberry That’s a Nice, Dark Color
Look for the deepest-red raspberries, like the ones below. As the berries ripen, they’re enriched with sugar and become deeper shades of red. This is why the deepest-red berries are usually the ripest and sweetest.
Pro Tip: The limbs of a raspberry bush are called canes. Impress some friends with your agricultural knowledge!
How to U-Pick Raspberries Like a Pro
Gently pinch the raspberry between your thumb and forefinger. Use just the gentlest pinch so you don’t damage the ripe berry in the process. If it comes right off, you’ve got yourself a perfect berry! For bonus points, place it gently in the container to prevent it from smushing or bruising.
You Can Also Get Fresh-Picked King Orchards Raspberries at Our Farm Stand Locations!
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your U-Pick Raspberries:
Raspberries are full of good-for-you nutrients like Vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. Adding raspberries to your meal is a tasty way to improve your health! Here are some great ways to enjoy them…
Add Raspberries to Your Oatmeal or Breakfast Cereal
Sprinkle a handful of raspberries on top for a quick way to liven-up breakfast and add beneficial nutrients to your diet.
Raspberries with Whipped Cream or Yogurt
Add a generous handful of raspberries to a cup of whipped cream or yogurt for a quick, delicious, low-calorie treat that’s vitamin-packed.
Raspberry Jam
Add four cups of raspberries and one cup of granulated sugar (plus any additional ingredients you want to try) to a pot, then boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for an additional twelve to fifteen minutes (until thickened). Pour into a container and cool in the refrigerator. Now you’ve got homemade raspberry jam!
You can also pick up our very own King Orchards raspberry jam at our bakery!
Raspberry Baked Goods
Check out this Lemon Raspberry Muffin recipe.
Raspberry Smoothies, Slushies and Popsicles
Add raspberries to any smoothie for flavor and nutrients, or simply blend your raspberries with two cups of ice to make a healthy, tasty slushie. For homemade popsicles, blend your raspberries with a little sugar or honey, pour into paper cups, add popsicle sticks, and freeze.
Raspberry Salad Toppers
Raspberries make great salad toppers. Try them with walnuts and goat cheese on a bed of mixed greens and a dash of balsamic dressing for a delicious, good-for-you salad that pairs well with chicken.
Raspberry Sauce for Pork or Chicken
Add ten ounces of raspberries, three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and a dash of granulated sugar (plus any additional ingredients or spices you like) to a pan and heat. Stir frequently until blended and thickened, then pour over pork or chicken for a mouthwatering tart-and-savory dinner.
Fresh Raspberries, Right Off the Bush
The freshest and most fun way to work raspberries into your diet is to visit us during U-Pick season, when you can pick and eat your own raspberries, right off the bush!
