The height of cherry season runs 3-4 weeks in mid-to-late July but can be impacted by weather, so start checking in late June. Here are a few places you can pick your own cherries near Rochester.
The cherry season runs concurrently with raspberries and blueberries. Our Locally Grown Produce harvest guide has U-Pick and farmers markets for the entire harvest season.
Before heading out, please check with a farm directly to ensure the crop is still available. Many farms take multiple payment forms, but we advise bringing cash just in case. Also, note that some farms may have less produce available due to the late-season frost.
Cherry Farms in Monroe County
1. Schutt’s Apple Mill
Webster
Posted on June 26, 2024, “U-Pick Cherry Update: Many people have wondered about the possibility of U-pick cherries this year. Unfortunately, with the warm weather and cold spring, we lost most of our crop to a frost in April. Because of the lack of crops this year, we are requiring people to register for picking. Here is what you need to know for picking: Each day we will allow 75 total people into the orchard. The maximum amount each person can pick is 5 lbs. Starting June 30th at 3 pm we will open registration via our website (and a link on social media to sign up.) After picking concludes each day we will post another link at 3pm for the following day until cherries are all picked out. Our family understands this is not an ideal scenario and realize people might want to pick more than we are offering. This year we are trying to make it an experience and allow as many people to pick in a safe controlled environment. Thanks for your understanding and your support.”
2. Whittier Fruit Farm
Gates
Posted on June 30, 2024, “It is with both frustration and regret that we have come to the decision that we must cancel the remainder of our cherry picking season for 2024. Excess rain, heat and other circumstances have reduced the quality of the cherries. Because we strive to earn your trust as growers of quality fruits, it is the right thing to do. Therefore, there will be no more cherry-picking this season.”
Cherry Farms in the Greater Rochester Area
3. Bittner Singer Orchards
Appleton
Posted June 25, 2024, “The upick cherry orchard is open. 7 days a week. 8 am to 8 pm. We will have different varieties ripening from now till the end of July.”
4. Burnap’s Farm Market & Garden Cafe
Sodus
Posted on June 27, 2024, “Pick Your Own. Sweet Cherries & Red Raspberries. NOW OPEN.”
5. G and S Orchards
Walworth
Posted on June 21, 2024, “Summer is here! The Stand has sweet and tart cherries, Rhubarb, Juneberries, Raspberries, Honey, Haskaps, aka Honeyberries, Zucchini, Broccoli, Fennel, Kale, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, and Kohlrabi. U-Pick Rhubarb, Red Raspberries, Morello & Balaton Tart Cherries & Juneberries.”
6. Hurd Orchards
Holley
No 2024 updates.
7. Kappus Farms
Burt
Posted on June 24, 2024, “Cherries are ready! U-Pick cherry season is here! We are open 8am to 7pm every day, including weekends and the Fourth of July! Visit www.crazycherries.com for more information. We hope to see you soon! 6275 Jockey Rd, Burt NY
“
8. Morgan’s Farm Market
Marion
Posted on June 26, 2024, “Besides awesome sweet cherries and Evercrisp Apples on our stand, we now have lettuce, green beans, and yellow squash and zucchini! We grow the cherries and apples here on our farm in Marion, and the beans, squash, and lettuce come from our partners MORGAN’s HALF ACRES. Kelli and her staff do a great job growing all the tasty and healthy veggies! 3821 Cory Corners Rd Marion”
Tips for when you pick your own cherries
Thank you to pickyourown.org for these helpful tips!
- The difference is simple: sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh. Pie cherries are very tart, and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies, and butter, adding sugar to sweeten them.
- Cherries, like peaches, continue to grow until they are ripe. They should be harvested at maximum size and flavor.
- Harvesting the fruit before it is fully mature will prevent it from ripening off the tree.
- Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries separate easily from the stem.
- The cherries being shipped will last longer if the stems are left attached. They can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days.
- Remember to bring drinks and snacks because working can make you thirsty and hungry. Also, don’t forget to bring hats and sunscreen for sun protection. While there are usually no bugs, bringing some bug spray might be a good idea just in case it has been rainy.
- Avoid leaving the picked cherries in the sun for too long. It’s better to place them in the shade of a tree or shed rather than in the trunk or on the car seat.
- Always call before going to the farm, as the crop is more affected by weather, especially rain and cooler temperatures. During the season, a large turnout can pick the field clean before noon, so it’s important to call ahead.
- If you use containers, do not pile cherries more than 3 inches deep to avoid crushing the lower ones. Suitable containers include plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3-inch-tall sides, and large pots.
- Don’t wash them until you are ready to use them, as washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
- Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so it’s important to refrigerate them as soon as possible after purchase.
- Even under ideal conditions, cherries will only last for a few days in a refrigerator, so for the best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
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Where is your favorite spot to pick cherries?
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