A Sweet Summer Tradition
BERRIES!
Maine is known for its scenic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and of course, its delicious wild berries. From the juicy blueberries to the sweet strawberries and tart raspberries, Maine’s berry picking season is a cherished time of year for both locals and visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Maine or just curious about what makes berry picking here so special, read on to learn more about the best times, locations, and tips for a sweet harvest.
When to Go Berry Picking in Maine
Strawberry season: Mid-June to early July
Raspberry season: Early July to mid-August
Blueberry Season: Late July to early September
Blackberry Season: August to early September
Best Berry Picking Locations
Maxwell’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth
Known for its strawberries, Maxwell’s Farm offers a picturesque setting with fields open for picking. Check their Facebook for opening dates and times as they can vary with the season’s weather conditions.
Spiller Farm, Wells
Spiller Farm offers a variety of berries throughout the summer. It’s a family-friendly location with plenty of activities. They are Cash only and you pay by the pound, containers are available to purchase or you may bring your own. They do have portable bathrooms available. Check their website for updated picking times as weather can make times very. http://spillerfarm.com/
Libby & Son U Picks, Limerick
Libby & Son U Pick is one of our family favorites Libby & Son offers all kinds of fruit picking throughout the season, includes peaches, raspberries and strawberries. Priced by the container, and each person entering the fields must purchase at least 1 container. They accept Cash, Credit and Apple Pay. Most weekends they have food and music available to enjoy. They do have bathrooms, free parking and picnic tables, you can also bring a picnic to enjoy. Be sure to check out their website to see what’s in season to help you plan your visit. https://www.libbysonupicks.com/
Dragonfly Meadow Blueberry Farm, Arundel
Dragonfly Meadow is a small blueberry farm with naturally growing bushes without pesticides. Most days this little family farm allows visitors to pick and pay via honor system. They accept cash, venmo, apple pay, and paypal. Containers are provided at the self-serve booth. Be sure to check their facebook page for current hours and conditions.
Pineland Farms, New Gloucester
Pineland Farms has a tentative strawberry picking date of June 15th and stays open until the last of the blueberries in mid-August, M-W 7am-1pm Th-Su 7am-6pm. Peas, Raspberries, & Blueberries are also available for PYO as they ripen. Strawberries are $3.50/lb. Other flowers and other produce like corn, cucumber and green beans can be purchased at the PYO shed or at their Market at 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester, Maine as they ripen throughout the season. Cash, cards & personal checks accepted.*15% off Volume discount (12 lbs.) & 20% off Wednesday Senior discount. Call the Berry Hotline for updates at: 207.657.2877.
Tips for a Successful Berry Picking Experience
Go Early: Mornings are the best time to pick berries. It’s cooler, and you’ll have the first pick of the ripest fruit.
Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves, hats, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Bug spray can also be helpful. Be sure to check yourself for ticks after as this is the season!
Bring Supplies: Carry water, snacks, and containers for your berries. Some farms provide baskets, but it’s always good to have extra.
Check Ahead: Always call or check the farm’s website before heading out to ensure they are open and have berries available.
Include the kids: Berry picking is a fun activity for all ages. Have the littles help fill up the buckets. We always pick a fun recipe to make when we get home. We have made muffins, cakes and even ice cream!
RECIPE
One of our favorite recipes is No Churn Blueberry Ice Cream! This this recipe a go for a frozen sweet treat.
INGREDIENTS
▢1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
▢2 tablespoon lemon juice
▢1/4 cup sugar
▢2 cups heavy cream
▢14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
▢1/2 cup fresh blueberries
INSTRUCTIONS
Place a 9×5 loaf pan into the freezer.
In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Bring the mixture up to a boil over high heat. Once the mixture comes up to a boil, reduce the heat to medium heat. Smash the blueberries and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl, press the mixture through the strainer. Place the mixture into the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the mixture to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. Using a mixer, whip with a mixer on high until the mixture has soft peaks.
Fold the blueberry sauce and fresh blueberries into the heavy cream mixture.
Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer for 5 hours until the ice cream has set. Enjoy homemade Ice Cream!
