2024 Lake County, Florida Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Lake County, Florida 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.

Lake County (Orlando area)

• Valley View Vineyard - Peaches, Grapes, Figs, Muscadine, Persimmons
  22310 CR 455, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737. Phone: 352-243-4032. Email: valleyviewvineyards@embarqmail.com . Open: Peaches: Mid April - May, Grapes Seedless: Mid June - July. Click here for a map and directions . 60">Valley View Vineyard . Peaches: Mid April - May, Grapes (Seedless): Mid June - July. Figs: June. Grapes (Seeded): July. Muscadine: Aug. Persimmons: September. 3 miles S of Howey-in-the-Hills, SR 19.

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)