PICKING - Raspberries are fragile and require the gentlest of handling. Never pile the berries too high. That is why we provide pint containers to pick in and charge by the pint.

Picking the berries when dry is important if they are expected to travel far or wait for processing. This may require waiting for the morning dew to disappear. Mowed clover grows between the rows to keep shoes clean but a long-sleeved shirt is advised to protect your arms. You may eat all you wish while picking.

CARE – Raspberries are ripe when they slip off the stem and into your hand without resistance. Don’t crush them within your fingers. Protect berries from direct sunlight, especially in the car. Open car windows or run the air conditioner so there will be some air movement. Refrigerate berries immediately without washing and use within a day or two.

To wash raspberries, place in a colander and submerge two or three times in a sink full of cold water. Drain well.

HOW TO FREEZE – To freeze whole, spread berries in shallow pans one layer deep and place in freezer until hard and then transfer to storage containers.

Raspberries may also be frozen in containers without sugar, with sugar added, or with a sugar syrup poured over the berries to keep them whole. The syrup is a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar boiled and cooled. Berries may be frozen without sugar and thawed later to make jam.