Sure, enormous inflated strawberries decorate some North Fork farm stands this time of year and that fruit even gets its own local festival. But ask certain people what their favorite red berry is and they will be sure to tell you it is the smaller, juicier and trickier to grow raspberry.
We spotted raspberries at Goodale Farms in Aquebogue as early as last Thursday and today, you can find pints of this super food at farm stands across the North Fork.
Some varieties of raspberries are ready for U-pick, like the preludes at Lewin Farms in Wading River, with many more expected to ripen in about two weeks.
“The season was delayed due to the cold spring,” said Ron Apostle, director of Oysterponds Farm, located at 24850 Main Road in Orient. “The fruit is voluptuous on the brambles. We should have a bumper crop this year.”
For those few who don’t care for raspberries, know that cherry season at Wickham’s Fruit Farm is right around the corner.
Wickham’s will likely not offer U-pick raspberries this year, according to farmer Tom Wickham, but the farm’s popular U-pick cherries will be back June 27.
“We have lots of cherries,” Wickham said. “It was rather dry in May so some of them were kind of small, but they taste great.”
Here are three places to pick your own raspberries on the North Fork. Remember to call first as fruit can be fickle.
3810 Route 25, Calverton (631) 727-4554
Check back in about two weeks for raspberry picking. In the meantime the strawberry fields are open for picking.
Patty’s Berries and Bunches
408 Sound Ave., Mattituck, (631) 298-4679
When can you go?
U-Pick is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. The farm stand is open until 6 p.m.
How much does it cost to pick your own?
$5 per person and each person gets a pint to fill with strawberries.
Lewin Farms
812 Sound Ave., Wading River, (631) 929-4327
When can you go?
The farm is open Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Tuesday). U-pick is not open every day so be sure to call first.
How much does it cost to pick your own?
$4.75 per pound
Know of other great U-pick spots? Tell us in the comments section.
