A smoothie, fruit salad, or even just a bowl of berries makes an instantly hydrating and refreshing snack in summer’s heat. Check out these local farms with your family for a morning of berry picking. Then head home with your bounty and try the easy storage ideas that follow.

Local Farms

1. Moore’s Orchard: This family-owned farm and orchard is located in North Pomfret, Vermont, at the corner of Pomfret Road and Johnson Road. They offer pick-your-own blueberries throughout July and August. Hours may vary, so call ahead (802) 457-2994 before visiting.

2. Poverty Lane Orchards: Located on Poverty Lane in Lebanon, New Hampshire, this orchard currently offers pick-your-own raspberries and black currants. They are regularly open from 7–11am and 4–7pm Monday–Saturday and 4–7pm on Sundays. Hours may change, so call ahead (603) 448-1511.

3. Cedar Circle Farm: Offering pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries, Cedar Circle Farm is located in East Thetford, Vermont. Strawberry picking is available for three weeks between June and early July, and blueberry picking is available for three weeks in July. Be sure to call ahead (802) 785-4737.

4. Riverview Farm: Offering berry picking into the late summer, Riverview Farm in Plainfield, New Hampshire, is open for raspberry, blueberry, and currant picking. Pick-your-own currants begins in mid July, while the blueberry patch opens in late August, followed by the raspberry patch in early September. Call (602) 298-8519 for picking hours.

5. Clay Hill Corners: Pick-your-own blueberries is open on weekends or by appointment starting July 16. Weekend hours are from 8:30am to 7:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday appointments will depend on availability, so call a day in advance (802) 296-2032. Clay Hill Corners is located on Clay Hill Road in Hartland, Vermont.

 

Storage Ideas

1. After cleaning your freshly picked berries, divide them into quart-size bags and put them in the freezer. A handful of frozen berries on a hot day will cool you down instantly.

2. Using a dehydrator, place clean berries on one of the dehydrating trays to make dried fruit. Blueberries should dry for 10 to 18 hours. Halved strawberries should dry for 6 to 12 hours. Only the firmest raspberries should be dried and can be left in the dehydrator for 10 to 12 hours.

3.Turn your berries into jam or jelly. The jam can then be stored in jars in your refrigerator or in your freezer.