Although the days are getting shorter and fall is on its way, summer produce is at its peak right now. For the freshest fruit around—and a fun family experience too—head to Weaver’s Orchard in Morgantown, just outside of Reading. Smack-dab in the middle of peach and blackberry season, the orchard is the place to be to pick your own in the great outdoors. Read on for all the info on how to pick these juicy tastes of summer properly and make the most of your fruity bounty.
Pick a Peck
We’ve already given you the full scoop on the proper peach-picking procedures, but just in case you need a refresher:
- Use a shallow basket or box rather than a deep bucket when picking.
- Choose peaches that are still firm so they won’t get damaged while you pick more fruit and transport them home.
- Firm peaches do continue to ripen and will soften within a few days, so choosing peaches that are firm is A-OK.
- Choose peaches that have a yellow—not green!—background color. If the background is green, it will take a long time to ripen, no matter how much red there is.
- Pick and settle peaches into your picking basket gently.
What about blackberries? Here’s the deal: Blackberries will separate from the plant with only a small tug when they are fully ripe. If you have to pull the berry at all, leave it to ripen. Ripe blackberries will be dark purple-black; even the inner part, the receptacle, should be a shade of purple—not white. Since blackberries are delicate and can crush easily, don’t fill your containers too full. Weaver’s is more than happy to supply you with more containers if you need them.
Blackberry-picking is ideal now, peaking in mid-August. Weaver’s is also currently picking delicious freestone yellow peaches and white peaches.
Berry-licious Recipes (Peaches, Too!)
Blackberries: Sweet & Savory
Visit this link to score recipes for blackberry margarita freezer jam, blackberry juice, blackberry syrup, blackberry dressing and beet and berry salad. You’ll even find a how-to video to guide you through each recipe.
French Apricot/Plum and Berry Tarts
Don’t let the name fool you: this recipe can be made with any combination of stone fruit and berries, including peaches and blackberries. The combinations are endless, really. Let your imagination run wild!
Berry Parfaits, Compote and Sorbet
Weaver’s is always happy to host local chefs, such as Crystal Barto of Emily’s Restaurant, who share their no-fail recipes in classes at the orchard. Check out these recipes if you’ve got a sweet tooth (that’s everybody, right?).
Peach, Ricotta and Balsamic Focaccia Pizza
Just say yes to peachy pizza! This recipe has it all: the step-by-step for how to make the perfect focaccia dough in addition to a sweet, tangy topping for layering on it. You’ll need to plan a little extra time to make this one (the flour-yeast mixture for the dough has to ferment overnight), but we’re sure you’ll agree—it’s worth it.
Savoring the Seasons
Over the past few months, we’ve shared so many great recipes with you courtesy of Weaver’s Orchard: cherries, peaches, plums, red and black raspberries, blueberries and more. Now you can have many of them right at your fingertips with the recently published second edition of Savoring the Seasons at Weaver’s Orchard. Discover scores of ways to make the most of local produce in easy-to-follow, visually appealing recipes. The cookbook is available online and at Weaver’s farm market. Get yourself a copy, and be sure to look up Weaver’s how-tos for blackberry hand pies and peachy fruit crisp!
Find Weaver’s Orchard at 40 Fruit Ln., Morgantown; phone: (610) 856-7300.
- Photography: Weaver's Orchard
