2024 Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards for persimmons that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have persimmons orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Cullman County

• Sloshie Mae's Farm - No pesticides are used , blackberries, figs, muscadine grapes, pears, persimmons,
  255 County Road 1823, Arab, AL 35016. Phone: . Email: Sloshiemae@gmail.com . Open: Hours and availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please email for current availability and hours. Directions: From Arab go South on Highway 231, turn right onto county road 1763 then go 1.7 miles, turn left onto County Road 1823. Our farm is at the top of the first hill on left. . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, only. 6 We do not use pesticides on the crops. Apple varieties (in years when we have a good crop - call first): Fuji, Gala, McIntosh and Granny Smith. Pear varieties: Hosui, Bartlett, Chojuro, Shinko, Orient, Pineapple and Kieffer. Fig varieties: Brown Turkey and Texas Everbearing. Persimmon Varieties: American, Giant Fuyu, Fuyu, Tanenashi and Hachiya. Plum varieties: Methley and Santa Rosa. Pear varieties: Hosui are ready August(This is our top seller and very sweet), Bartlett are ready August to September, Chojuro/Shinko/Orient/Pineapple are ready September, Kieffer-October to November. (UPDATED: July 06, 2018)

Talladega County

• Holmestead Farm - Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Plumcots, Grapes (red, white, black), Saturn (Do-Nut) peaches, Asian Pear, Regular Pears, Apples, Japanese Persimmons, Figs, Muscadines, Scuppernongs, Satsumas, Meyer Lemons, Chestnuts, Pomegranates
  6582 County Road 7, Talladega, AL 35160. Phone: 256-404-4316. Email: holmesteadfarm@yahoo.com . Open: see their website. Click here for a map and directions . . From TalladegaOn Hwy 77 South, turn right at the 52 mile marker onto Hwy 77. In 11.2 miles, turn right onto County Road 7. In 6.5 miles, turn right onto Clay County 7. Our driveway will be on the right in 3.5 miles. U-PICK / WE-PICK FARM COUNTRY STORE & MARKET. Typical harvest seasons are: Strawberries - Late March thru June - 40,000 plants:Blackberries - Late May thru early June - 1400 plants:Blueberries - May thru July - 800 bushes: Raspberries - Late May thru early June - 600 plants:Peaches - April thru Sep - 400 trees:Nectarines - May thru August - 30 trees:Plums - April thru August - 250 trees:Plumcots - June - 20 trees:Grapes (red, white, black) - Late June thru early July - 30 plants:Saturn (Do-Nut) peaches - June - 35 trees:Asian Pear - August thru November - 75 trees:Regular Pears - July thru November - 25 trees:Apples - July thru November - 150 trees:Japanese Persimmons - Late Sep thru Nov - 75 trees:Figs - August thru October - 75 trees:Muscadines & Scuppernongs - August thru October - 150 plants:Satsumas - Late September thru November - 25 trees:Meyer Lemons - Late September thru December - 15 trees: Chestnuts - Fall - 6 trees:Pomegranate - coming in 2021. And we have a shelling machine so we can do that for you, too (additional fee)!

Persimmons

Persimmon Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Persimmons, are a VERY tart and rare fruit.   More popular in Asia, the Asian varieties have been introduced to North America and become popular. Native North American Fuyu persimmons (shown at top right) are flattened in shape.

The Asia hachiya persimmons are more elongated and a bit sweeter.  All persimmons are exceedingly tart until the are dead-ripe and slight mushy in texture.

Uses:

Persimmons are typically made into jelly, but also used for their flavor in baked goods such as muffins, tarts and sauces. Persimmon berries also freeze well.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jelly,  see these pages:

• How to make Persimmon jelly

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of Persimmon harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting Persimmons from late July to early August.

Persimmons are an unusual fruit because they actually DO ripen after being harvested. In fact, it is BEST to pick the persimmons while they are hard, and allow them to ripen and soften in a cool basement. This avoid bug and bird danage.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe Persimmons are soft, almost mushy, and have a bright orange color.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest Persimmons, simply hold the branch beneath and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch them if they fall.

Handling and Storage:

After harvesting, sort through the fruit and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store them in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate them when they become ripe and soft; consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing them for longer-term storage.

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)