One of the great pleasures of life in Western Pennsylvania is harvesting berries. Utilize the seasonal opportunity to lower your household’s food miles by picking fruit from one of the following local PA berry farms. An ideal way to celebrate Earth Day beyond the month of April.
Bowser’s Blueberries
Six miles west of Butler, this family-owned blueberry farm specializes in you-pick berries. Head to the farm in early June. They will provide buckets and bags: all you need is enthusiasm … and a plan for how to eat and preserve what you pick.
Pete’s Berry Farm
Strawberries start to ripen on this Sharpsville farm in late May, with blueberries following suit in July. Pick your own or purchase a few already-picked pecks from the farm stand. Check the farm’s Facebook page for hours.
Norman’s Orchard
Cherries and blueberries are available through the summer months at this Tarentum farm, followed by grapes, apples, and pears in the fall. Pick your own or peruse the farm store.
Shenot Farm & Market
Local strawberries and blueberries are offered in season at this Wexford farm market. Pair them with the family-made assortment of fudge, or whip up some farm fresh local cream from the store’s dairy case.
Soergel Orchards
Soergel’s has strawberries in June and blueberries in July and August. The strawberry fields are open for pick-your-own sessions in early June, to coincide with their annual strawberry festival, which features not just berries but desserts, other foods, and entertainment.
Triple B Farms
Pick your own blueberries and black raspberries at Monongahela’s Triple B Farm, and check the store on your way out for sweet corn, peaches, peppers, tomatoes, and other in-season produce and flowers. Bring the kids: there’s a wonderful ticketed fun zone for them to enjoy.
Berry Recipes for Your Farm Finds
Berry Cobbler with Banana Ice Cream
Sabine’s Hulk Smash Smoothie with Blueberry Ice Bombs
Story by Keith Recker
