Cricklewood Raspberries

The crop begins in late August and continues to produce until the first frost, sometime in early to mid October.

At Cricklewood Farm we work hard and take pride in growing the highest quality fruits to enjoy year after year from our family to yours.

The sun shining down on our farm provides an ideal location to spend part of the day to enjoy the fun of picking your own quality fruit directly from our raspberry bushes.

Containers can be purchased at the farm or you are welcome to bring your own! We will need to weigh your containers before you go into the field, so that we can correctly tally your harvest once you’re done picking.

For pick your own we charge by weight.

Start making it your family tradition to head to Cricklewood and spend time on the farm, take in the scenic view, and relax. Keep in mind that each year the Pick-Your-Own season may vary due to weather and crop abundance. Plan your visit by checking out our hours here!!

 

Preparing and Storing Raspberries

  • Raspberries are highly perishable. They can be be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days; however, extended storage can result in the fruit losing its bright color and fresh flavour. You want to use your raspberries as soon after picking as possible.
  • To prepare, remove any berries that are too soft or decayed or bits of leaves or stem that may have fallen into the box.
  • DON’T wash the berries until you are ready to use them. It washes off the thin, protective epidermal layer.

 

Freezing Raspberries

  • Wash raspberries and drain well. Make sure they are dry by placing them on an absorbent towel and patting gently.
  • Spread berries into a single layer on a cookie sheet.
  • Place the sheet in the freezer, keeping it level. Berries should be frozen solid in about 6-7 hours.
  • Transfer the berries into plastic freezer bags. Remove air from the bag by using sucking on a straw inserted into the bag and sealing the bag.
  • Berries are best used within 6-8 months.

 

Raspberries for Pie

  • One pint of raspberries = approximately 2 cups.
  • 2 pints of raspberries are needed for a 9” pie.

 

Raspberry Picking Tips

  • Be careful not to fill your containers too full, the berries on the bottom will be crushed.
  • Ripe raspberries should be bright, uniform in color, and firm. Avoid light red berries and berries with white or yellow tips. If the berry doesn’t release easily, it is not ripe; therefore, do not pick it.
  • Raspberries should be picked gently; they bruise and damage easily.
  • Berries should not be picked if they are wet since they will not store as well, unless of course they are destined to be eaten right away!
  • When picking make sure to go low — everyone picks berries right at eye level. Some of the largest berries, however, are hidden under branches low and high, and deep in the centre. Also it’s very restful to sit on the ground and pick!
  • Just about everybody starts picking as soon as they arrive at the top of the patch. Be bold — go deeper into the patch before you begin to pick!
  • Please pick all the ripe berries you can find from one bush before moving on to another. This is important for the plants’ health and continued productivity.
  • Come early in the weekend. The berry crop could be quickly picked out. The early bird gets the best berry.
  • Watch out for wildlife. Critters such as bees, wasps and other insects love berries as much as you do!

 

Plan your visit by checking out our hours here!