2024 Desoto and Hardee counties, west Florida Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Desoto and Hardee counties, west 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.

Desoto County

• English Lake Farm - May, June; Blueberries - April, May, June; Persimmons - July, August; Citrus - November, December, Jan., Feb; Honeybells, Meyer Lemons,Ruby Red Grapefruit, Tangerines, Tangelos; Avocados - July, August.
  7288 South West Lime Drive, Fort Ogden, FL 34267. Phone: 863-990-6164. Email: Englishlakefarm@aol.com . Open: Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. Directions: Call for detailed directions to the farm. Off of Highway 17, halfway between Punta Gorda and Arcadia; located in SW Florida in Ft. Ogden, off of Highway 17, halfway between Arcadia and Punta Gorda. Look for the little Post Office. For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 863-494-0911. . Blueberries are available March 15th until June. It looks like this year's crop will be a great one and the peaches are also on the way to getting ripe. Come on out while the weather is still not too hot. We are looking forward to seeing all our old friends and to making a lot more! We also have a limited supply of raw Orange Blossom Honey as well as a selection of jams and jellies. We have for U-Pick: Peaches
  Comments from a visitor on September 16, 2010: "I went there this summer on several occasions and even brought along a gaggle of friends, to pick the most delicious and BIG blueberries!! Farmer Walter and his lovely wife are still there. Additional veggies available in smaller quantities, just call and ask. SPOKE WITH WALTER TODAY: The next crop will be CITRUS (HONEYBELLS, MYER LEMONS, ETC) starting Dec.2010. Walter also grows lots of fun things like apples, watermelons, avocado, persimmon, peaches and sells trees too, during the season. Very close to Punta Gorda / Pt Charlotte. "

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)