Raspberry Picking at Parlee Farms - a true delicacy!
If you have never had a fresh picked raspberry, you have never really tasted
a raspberry. Our two acres of raspberry fields provide us with great summer and fall picking. Both pick-your-own
raspberries and fresh picked raspberries are available in our farmstand.
During July, we have four varieties of summer raspberries are available, all with outstanding flavor.
Fall raspberry picking is available from late August until the end of September. We have four
varieties of fall raspberries and they too, have great flavor.
A few hints on picking and caring for raspberries:
- A raspberry is ripe when the fruit is firm, plump, and rich in color. A ripe raspberry will easily separate from the cane.
- For best results, pick them early in the day, protect them from sunlight, refrigerate quickly in a covered container, and wash just before using.
- Raspberries are very perishable! They only have a 2-3 day shelf life after picking and must be refrigerated quickly. They will mold if left at room temperature.
- One cup of fresh raspberries is about 70 calories. They are high in Vitamin C and fiber.
- There are 2 cups of raspberries in one pint (about 3/4lb) and will generally serve 2-4 people.
Freezing Tips for Raspberries:
- Sort through raspberries and remove stems.
- Rinse berries in colander and let sit for 10 minutes to drain water.
- Pat dry - the berries must be completely dry to avoid freezer burn and sticking together.
- Place raspberries apart in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place in freezer. If you pre-freeze the cookie sheet, the berries will freeze faster.
- Once frozen, place in containers or zip-lock bags and return to freezer.