Pennsylvania, with its diverse climate and fertile soil, offers a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits throughout the year. Knowing what fruits are in season can help you plan your trips to local farmers’ markets, support local agriculture, and enjoy the freshest, most flavorful produce. This guide will walk you through the seasonal delights Pennsylvania has to offer, ensuring you know exactly what’s ripe and ready to enjoy.
Spring’s First Fruits: A Taste of Renewal
As winter’s chill fades, Pennsylvanians eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and the first fruits of the season. While spring in Pennsylvania might not boast the same variety as later seasons, the available fruits are highly anticipated and incredibly flavorful.
Rhubarb: The Tart Harbinger of Spring
Technically a vegetable, rhubarb is often treated as a fruit in culinary applications. Its tart stalks are a welcome addition to pies, jams, and sauces. Pennsylvania rhubarb is typically in season from April to June. Look for firm, brightly colored stalks, avoiding those that are limp or damaged. Rhubarb’s unique tangy flavor makes it a perfect complement to sweeter fruits like strawberries, which will soon follow. You can find rhubarb at most farmers’ markets and some grocery stores during its peak season. Remember to only use the stalks, as the leaves are poisonous.
Strawberries: The Jewel of June
The arrival of strawberries signals the true beginning of fruit season in Pennsylvania. These sweet, juicy berries are a summertime staple, perfect for snacking, desserts, and preserving. Strawberry season in Pennsylvania typically runs from late May to early July, with June being the peak month. Local strawberries offer a significantly superior taste compared to those shipped from afar. Look for bright red, plump berries with fresh green caps. Many farms offer pick-your-own opportunities, allowing you to harvest your own berries straight from the vine for the ultimate fresh experience.
Summer’s Sweet Abundance: A Fruity Feast
Summer is undoubtedly the peak fruit season in Pennsylvania, offering a vast array of options from sweet berries to juicy stone fruits. Farmers’ markets and roadside stands overflow with colorful, flavorful produce during these months.
Blueberries: Bursting with Antioxidants
Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants and flavor. Pennsylvania’s blueberry season generally runs from late June to August. Both cultivated and wild blueberries thrive in the state, with wild blueberries often having a more intense flavor. Look for blueberries that are deep blue in color, firm, and have a dusty bloom. They’re delicious eaten fresh, baked into muffins and pies, or added to smoothies.
Raspberries: Delicate and Delicious
Raspberries, with their delicate flavor and texture, are another summer favorite. Pennsylvania grows both red and black raspberries, with red raspberries being more common. Raspberry season typically runs from July to August. These berries are best enjoyed fresh, as they are quite perishable. Look for plump, brightly colored berries that are free of mold. They make a wonderful addition to desserts, jams, and breakfast dishes.
Cherries: Sweet or Tart, a Summer Treat
Cherries come in two main varieties: sweet and tart. Both are grown in Pennsylvania and offer unique flavor profiles. Sweet cherries are perfect for eating fresh, while tart cherries are ideal for pies and jams. Cherry season is relatively short, typically lasting from June to July. Look for plump, shiny cherries with stems attached.
Peaches: The Quintessential Summer Fruit
Peaches are perhaps the most iconic summer fruit, and Pennsylvania boasts a thriving peach-growing industry. The state is known for its juicy, flavorful peaches, which are perfect for eating fresh, grilling, or baking into pies and cobblers. Peach season in Pennsylvania typically runs from July to September, with August being the peak month. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
Plums and Pluots: A Stone Fruit Medley
Plums and pluots (a hybrid of plums and apricots) are also in season during the summer months. Pennsylvania grows a variety of plums, ranging in color from red and purple to yellow and green. Pluots offer a unique flavor profile, combining the sweetness of plums with the slightly tart flavor of apricots. Plum and pluot season generally runs from July to September. Look for fruits that are slightly soft to the touch and have a vibrant color.
Nectarines: Smooth-Skinned Delights
Nectarines, similar to peaches but with smooth skin, are another summertime treat. Pennsylvania nectarines are just as juicy and flavorful as peaches, making them a perfect alternative. Nectarine season typically runs from July to September, overlapping with peach season. Look for nectarines that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
Apples (Early Varieties): A Hint of Fall
While apple season is typically associated with fall, some early-season apple varieties begin to ripen in late summer. These early apples offer a taste of fall before the main harvest arrives. Varieties like Paula Red and Gala may be available in late August and early September. Look for firm, brightly colored apples with a pleasant aroma.
Autumn’s Orchard Bounty: Apples and More
Autumn is apple season in Pennsylvania, and orchards across the state are bustling with activity as farmers harvest their crops. However, apples aren’t the only fruit to enjoy during this season.
Apples: A Pennsylvania Staple
Pennsylvania is a major apple-growing state, and autumn is the time to enjoy the vast array of apple varieties available. From sweet and crisp varieties like Honeycrisp and Gala to tart and tangy varieties like Granny Smith and McIntosh, there’s an apple for every taste. Apple season in Pennsylvania typically runs from September to November. Many orchards offer pick-your-own opportunities, allowing you to select your own apples straight from the tree. Apples are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, baked into pies and crisps, or made into applesauce and cider.
Pears: A Sweet and Juicy Treat
Pears are another fruit that ripens in the fall in Pennsylvania. While not as widely grown as apples, pears offer a unique flavor and texture that complements the autumn harvest. Pear season typically runs from September to October. Look for pears that are slightly soft to the touch near the stem and have a fragrant aroma.
Grapes: Vineyards in Full Swing
Pennsylvania’s grape-growing regions, particularly in the Lake Erie region, come alive in the fall. Both table grapes and wine grapes are harvested during this time. Grape season typically runs from September to October. Look for plump, juicy grapes with a dusty bloom. Table grapes are perfect for snacking, while wine grapes are used to produce a variety of Pennsylvania wines.
Cranberries: A Thanksgiving Tradition
While not grown as extensively in Pennsylvania as in some other states, cranberries are a quintessential fall fruit that are often associated with Thanksgiving. Cranberry season typically runs from October to November. Look for firm, brightly colored cranberries that are free of blemishes.
Winter’s Limited Selection: Storage Crops and Beyond
Winter in Pennsylvania offers a limited selection of fresh fruits, as the growing season has ended. However, some fruits can be stored for extended periods, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer and fall throughout the colder months.
Apples (Storage Varieties): A Taste of Autumn’s Past
Apples that have been properly stored can last for several months, providing a taste of autumn throughout the winter. Varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith are known for their good storage qualities. Look for firm, unblemished apples.
Pears (Storage Varieties): Preserving Sweetness
Similar to apples, some pear varieties can also be stored for extended periods. Bosc pears are a good option for winter storage.
Dried Fruits: Concentrated Flavors
Dried fruits, such as apples, cranberries, and cherries, are a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer and fall during the winter months. These fruits are often available at farmers’ markets and grocery stores.
Citrus Fruits (Imported): A Bright Spot in Winter
While not grown in Pennsylvania, citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are widely available during the winter months. These fruits provide a welcome dose of vitamin C and a refreshing flavor during the cold, dark days of winter.
Pennsylvania’s seasonal fruit calendar offers a diverse and delicious array of options throughout the year. By knowing what fruits are in season, you can support local farmers, enjoy the freshest produce, and savor the unique flavors of each season.
When can I expect to find strawberries in Pennsylvania?
Strawberries are typically the first fruit to ripen in Pennsylvania, signaling the beginning of the fruit-picking season. You can generally find them ripe and ready for picking from late May to early June. Factors like the specific region of Pennsylvania and the weather conditions throughout the spring can slightly influence the exact timing.
Keep an eye on local farm websites, social media pages, or call ahead to confirm availability before heading out for your strawberry picking adventure. This will ensure you have the best experience and can pick the juiciest, reddest berries at their peak ripeness.
What months are best for picking peaches in Pennsylvania?
Peach season in Pennsylvania generally runs from mid-July through late August. This period offers the best selection of juicy and flavorful peaches across the state. Different peach varieties ripen at slightly different times within this window, extending the peach-picking season.
Visiting orchards during this timeframe gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide array of peaches, ranging from early-season varieties like Redhaven to later-season types like Cresthaven. Check with specific orchards to learn about their peach varieties and ripening schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Are there any fruits available for picking in Pennsylvania during the fall months?
Yes, apples are a major fall fruit in Pennsylvania, with the picking season typically running from September through October. Many varieties, from the tart Granny Smith to the sweet Honeycrisp, become available during this period. Additionally, some late-season berries like raspberries may also be found in early fall.
Beyond apples and late-season berries, you might also find some pears available for picking at certain orchards during the fall. Orchard websites and farm stands are excellent resources to determine the specific varieties and availability of fall fruits in your region of Pennsylvania.
Where can I find information on local pick-your-own farms in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s website is a great resource for finding local pick-your-own farms. They often have listings and directories of farms throughout the state. Local county extension offices can also provide information on farms in their specific areas.
Websites like PickYourOwn.org and local farm bureaus are excellent sources for finding pick-your-own locations. You can also use search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo with search terms like “pick your own farms near me” or “Pennsylvania u-pick farms” to locate nearby options. Remember to check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm hours and availability before visiting.
What are some tips for ensuring I pick the ripest fruits?
When picking strawberries, look for berries that are uniformly red, plump, and have a bright green cap. Avoid berries with green or white tips, as they are not fully ripe. For peaches, choose fruits that are slightly soft to the touch and have a strong, sweet aroma. The color should be vibrant and consistent.
For apples, gently twist the fruit off the branch. Ripe apples will detach easily. Avoid pulling or yanking, which can damage the tree. Look for apples with smooth, unblemished skin and a rich color characteristic of the variety you are picking. Tasting a sample (if permitted by the farm) can help you gauge ripeness.
What should I bring with me when going fruit picking?
It’s a good idea to bring your own containers or baskets for collecting your fruit, although some farms may provide them. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking in fields or orchards. Consider bringing a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Bringing water and snacks is also recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours picking. You might also want to bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes or other bugs. Lastly, check if the farm accepts cash or credit cards, and bring the appropriate payment method.
What should I do with the fruit I’ve picked to ensure it stays fresh longer?
Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising. Spread the fruit out in a single layer on a tray or in shallow containers to prevent crushing and promote air circulation. Store the fruit in the refrigerator to slow down ripening and spoilage.
Wash the fruit just before you plan to eat it, rather than washing it all at once after picking. This will help prevent mold growth. Different fruits have different storage needs, so researching the best storage practices for the specific fruit you’ve picked is always a good idea.