You will find people who love fresh, organic foods often perusing the farmer's market intent on finding the freshest fruits, such as blueberries. Farmer's markets do provide very fresh produce, but it doesn't get any fresher than picking the berries up yourself. Many farms around the country allow people to pick their own produce by the bushel-full and pay by the weight of their purchase. In Pennsylvania, highbush blueberries, a variety from bushes that can grow up to 12 feet tall, are most common. Pennsylvania blueberry season is roughly between June and Mid-September, depending on which area of the state you're in.
Locate a Pennsylvania farm that allows the public to pick their own produce. The website Pick Your Own provides a comprehensive list of Pick Your Own Farms in each state. The website provides details on what each farm produces, what's in season, a website and contact information. Narrow your search down by selecting the specific region of Pennsylvania that you live in or will be visiting.
Select several farms in your selected area that produce blueberries and call for more information. Blueberries may not be available at the time you visit. Find out how much the blueberries cost per pound, if you need to bring your own basket, and what other amenities they offer. Some farms are large operations that offer hay rides, picnic tables and a children's play area.
Select the most plump berries you can find that are a bluish-gray color when you arrive at the farm you selected. Avoid berries that have any red on them, since they are not ripe. Green and white looking blueberries well not ripen after picking, so avoid those as well.
Hold the bucket underneath the bunch of blueberries you want in one hand and cup the bunch in your other hand. Gently rub on the bunch with your fingers and the ripe berries will fall easily into the bucket, while any unripe ones will stay on the bunch.
Pay for the amount of blueberries you picked. The farm will weigh your basket and charge you per pound depending upon their fee. Take your blueberries home to enjoy.
