Berry Picking in Maine

Berry Picking in Maine

Maine is known for its blueberries, having been immortalized in the popular children's book, Blueberries for Sal.

Blueberries are the sign of mid-to-late summer in Maine; when the weather turns hot, the wildflowers are all in bloom, and Mainers are basking in the summer sunshine.

Berry stands dot the back roads and state highways, offering baskets of plump, juicy berries. Blueberry picking is highlighted at the bottom of this page, but blueberries aren't the only berries that can be found in Maine...

Maine Strawberries

Mid-June to Mid-July is strawberry season in Maine. Strawberries typically peak near the end of June, but often last well into July. Farms all over the

state open their fields to eager berry pickers and there is always enough for everyone. From toddlers to grandparents, anyone can pick strawberries in Maine. Strawberries grow in planted fields where they are very easy to pick.

Remember, only pick the ripest berries; unlike some other fruits, strawberries won't ripen once they are picked. Strawberries can be frozen if you prepare and freeze them very soon after picking. And don't over-pick; strawberries will last a few days if refrigerated, but they won't last long. Always call ahead to the farm to make sure the strawberries are ripe or haven't already been picked, and arrive early to beat the summer heat!

Maine Blackberries

Blackberries, also known as black raspberries or black caps, arrive on the scene just about the same time as the strawberries. Blackberries grow on thick bushes, many of which have sharp thorns, so you need to be careful.

Self-picking blackberry farms abound in Maine, but wild blackberries can also be found in abundance on road sides, in the woods, and next to rivers and ponds.

Only pick the berries that have turned completely black. Berries that still have red on them are not ripe and won't ripen once picked. Blackberries will last up to a week with refrigeration or they can be frozen right after picking.

Maine Blueberries

Blueberries are the signature fruit of Maine, ranking right up there in popularity with the likes of the lobster and the moose. Blueberry decor and paraphernalia can be found from major stores to the tiny, remote gift shops that dot the mountains and coastline.

Blueberries can easily be found all over Maine on farms or in the wild. Blueberries have such a huge popularity rating because of their abundance; they grow virtually anywhere - on rocky soil, under power lines, in small pools of sunshine in the woods, in large sunny meadows, in back yards and along roadsides.

Blueberries are usually ripe by early August, depending on weather conditions, and they can last well into the end of the month. Always pick plump berries with a light gray/blue color. Blueberries that have any hint of red are not fully ripened. Refrigerate your blueberries and they will last for up to two weeks or more. Blueberries are also easily frozen right after picking.

Not only are blueberries fun to pick AND eat, they are very healthy, full of fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C, and they also serve as one of the number one sources of antioxidants.

As with any berries, once picked, refrigerate them as soon as possible and never let them lie uncovered in the sun. Do not wash the berries until you are ready to eat them, as washing them will shorten their shelf-life.

Maine Berry-Picking Links

PickYourOwn.org - where you can find a pick-your-own farm near you!

Maine Blueberries - for tips on picking and many, many recipes.

Wild Blueberry Homepage - for facts and events surround wild blueberries in Maine.