Pear picking in NJ is the hidden gem of late summer, early fall fruit! With delicious, sweet fruit available from early August to September, you’ll regret not heading to some of these Pick Your Own pear orchards New Jersey has to offer.
The Best Pear Picking in NJ
While grabbing a bushel of pears at your local farmstand or farmer’s market is great, it’s nothing compared to picking the fruit yourself and enjoying it right off the tree.
Known as the Garden State, New Jersey is known for its abundance of amazing, fresh produce. While blueberries, strawberries, and peaches are well known for pick your own fields, pears are the little known must find of late summer.
If you’re looking for a pick your own pear orchard near you, you’re in the right spot. Just like with our cherry picking and apple picking in NJ posts, we’ve found the best of the best, and compiled them here for you.
Tips and Questions for Picking Pears
When can you pick pears in NJ?
Generally speaking, you can begin picking the pears in August through early to mid-October. (Some boast through November) But there are man varieties offered at farms, which ripen at different rates. Always call the farm ahead of time to ask about picking conditions and availability.
Where can I go to pick pears?
There are tons of PYO pears spots in NJ – keep scrolling to find a farm local to you.
What do you wear to pear picking?
Clothes you won’t mind staining with juice and shoes that can get a bit messy. We always recommend wearing shoes that can get dirty, but boots are best! Since pears are grown in trees, you may need a ladder.
Tips for picking the best pears:
- Go on a weekday, if you can! Farms will be less crowded and some farms waive the pick your own admission fee on weekdays,
- If you’re going on a weekend, head there as soon as they open. Not only is this to avoid crowds, but it also ensures you get the first pick of the best fruits.
- Know what you’re getting. Pears come in many different varieties, so know which before you go!
- Be Gentle! Pears bruise easily, so be careful when picking.
- Look for pears soft near the stem. If you’re looking for pears to eat immediately, press near the stem. Soft means they will be good to eat! They do ripen off the tree though, so pick a variety of ripeness Here is a great resource with picking tips!
Pick Your Own Farms for Pear Picking in NJ
Ready to hit the farms? Here are the best PYO farms in NJ offering pear picking. With each farm. click through to the post with full information on the farm, from hours to pricing. Always be sure to call the farms ahead of time as pear picking seasons can vary!
Mood’s Farm Market – Mullica Hill, Gloucester County
With a variety of pick your own options, many still know this NJ PYO farm for it’s bountiful pear season. You must bring your own containers for pick your own and they will be weighed before heading out to the fields.
Alstede Farms – Chester, Morris County.
This PYO farm offers tons of different picking options throughout the whole season. Their fields are packed come late June, but there’s also so much else to see and do there! Head over and pick your fruit, but also enjoy their homemade ice cream and kid’s activities.
Evergreen Farm – Hamilton, Mercer County
This pear farm specializes in Korean pears, Singo pears, and Golden pears August – October as the season allows. You can also find unique Korean products that you won’t find elsewhere.
Lee Orchard Garden – Cranbury, Middlesex County
A family-owned farm in Middlesex county, this pear farm in NJ grows Asian pear, 20th century, Olympic giants, known as Korean Pears, apple pears, and table grapes. There is an entrance fee of $5/person but if you pick $40 or more, you’ll have the fee returned to you.
Stonyfield Orchard – Belvidere, Warren County
This family-owned and operated orchard not only offers a multitude of pick your own options, including pear picking, but it’s fun for the kiddos! They have a bunch of farm animals to look at and pet. plus a well-stocked farm store.
Leave a Reply