Perfectly Picked

Follow these picking and storage tips to make your goodies last:

Blackberries

Blackberries are best picked early in the day. Pick only berries that are soft and easy to remove.

Store in refrigerator for two to three days.

If freezing, wash and pat dry. First, freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet, and then transfer to freezer bag once frozen.

Blueberries

Choose berries that are uniform in color. A reddish ring where fruit attaches to stem means it’s not ripe yet. Pick only berries that easily come loose from the stem. Roll with your thumb into your palm. Don’t wash until ready to eat or use, but refrigerate berries as soon as possible after picking.

Store in refrigerator for one to two weeks.

If freezing, wash first and pat dry. Freeze in a single layer on cookie sheet, and then transfer to freezer bag once frozen.

Peaches

Flavor is best when allowed to ripen on the tree. Pick peaches when color changes from green to yellow. Ripe fruit should be easy to remove from branch.

Store in a refrigerator (32°F).

Pears

Can be picked early and allowed to ripen indoors at temps of 60°F to 70°F.

Pick pears when color changes from green to yellow. Ripe fruit should be easy to remove from branch.

Store pears in refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Strawberries

Best picked in early morning. Keep stem attached when picking by pinching it off with your fingers. Avoid berries that are only half-red, as their flavor hasn’t fully developed yet. Don’t wash until ready to eat or use.

Store in refrigerator for one to three days.

If you freeze them, wash and remove caps first.