2024 Topeka and Northeastern Kansas Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Topeka and Northeastern Kansas 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.

Brown County

• Grimm's Gardens - blueberries, cherries, apples, peaches, apricots, raspberries, persimmons, aronia, chesnuts, plums, elderberries, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, restrooms
  2991 Goldfinch Road, Hiawatha, KS 66434. Phone: 785-459-2586. Email: info@grimmsgardens.com . Open: dawn to dusk on picking days; Normal hours are Monday to Friday 8 to 6 and Saturday 8 to 4. Directions: 4 miles west of Hiawatha on highway 36 and 6.5 miles north on Goldfinch Rd. . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax:. . Crops are usually available in July, August, September. Opening blueberry patch July 4 Thursday, raspberries are ready also; Always call ahead for specifics.
  Comments from a visitor on June 29, 2011: "My 3 year old and I went to Grimm's Garden near Hiawatha KS on Monday. It was everything the website said it would be and more. The staff was friendly and helpful, even looking up questions that they did not know the answer too. Raspberry picking was awesome and a quick relax in a shaded hammock was well earned. I was very excited to find a HUGE assortment of water plants for the pond I am building. "
  Comments from a visitor on July 22, 2008: "My husband and I visited this morning and picked 30lbs of blueberries. They're beautiful, a lot of them are the size of grapes. This farm is really something to see. I will be returning many times I am sure. They have peaches, raspberries, black raspberries, apples and wonderful flowers and landscaping. The best I have seen."

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)