Summer is here, which means warm weather, clear skies and more time spent outside. It also means that Nebraska farms are in the midst of fruit picking season. Visit one of these Nebraska U-pick farms and sweeten up the summer season by trying a new recipe.
Bellevue Berry Farm
Papillion, NE
Strawberry season at Bellevue Berry Farm will begin around June 1, with raspberry season beginning early July. Containers are provided to hold the berries as you pick them. The farm also grows sweet corn, typically available late July, and sweet peas, which are available around the same time as the strawberries. The berries and peas are $3.50 per pound.
Recipes to try:
Strawberry shortcake
Strawberry popsicles
Raspberry turnovers
No-churn raspberry sorbet
__________________
Kimmel Orchard
Nebraska City, NE
Kimmel Orchard will be open mid-July for peach picking. With admission of $5, you can roam their acres to forage for the sweet, juicy fruit. The orchard offers several different varieties of peaches, which you can learn more about on their website. Prices of produce are dependent on the season and the yield of the fruit.
Recipes to try:
Peach cobbler
Grilled peaches
__________________
Nelson Produce Farm
Valley, NE
Nelson Produce Farm offers u-pick strawberries as well as a variety of vegetables spanning across 400 acres. Strawberries will be available to pick starting in June until September. Admission is $2.50 and each flat of berries is $14.99. The farm is hosting a strawberry festival June 17 and 18 that will include fun activities in addition to berry picking.
Recipes to try:
Chocolate covered strawberries
Strawberry lemon blondies
__________________
Ditmars Orchard
Council Bluffs, IA
June 1 marks the summer opening of Ditmars Orchard. For an admission fee of $7, you can handpick strawberries and even pet goats on the property after berry picking. Prices of produce vary.
Recipes to try:
Mini strawberry tart
Strawberry milkshake