Discover When Raspberries Are in Peak Season Across the U.S.

Raspberries are delicious, sweet fruits that many people enjoy. Their sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture make them an ideal choice for desserts, jams, and even savory dishes. If you’re a fan or simply curious about when they are in peak season in the United States, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn when you can find the best berries at their peak season. 

California 

California is the country’s largest producer of fresh raspberries. Its harvest season typically begins in May and continues through September. Some of the most common varieties grown in the state include Oregon 1030 and Bababerry. However, home gardeners have dozens of options to pick from, like Tulameen, Heritage, Fall Gold, and Bristol.

Georgia 

Georgia’s raspberry season starts in June and lasts until August in many parts of the state. Farms offer opportunities for picking fresh berries and enjoying the beautiful countryside. Some of the varieties you may find include Nantahala, Heritage, Redwing, and Caroline.

Illinois 

Raspberry season in Illinois is short but worthwhile. It begins in July and continues through August. The state is home to numerous raspberry farms, where visitors can pick their own berries and taste freshly made raspberry products. 

A few varieties that grow well include Ruby, Heritage, Caroline, and Boyne.

Minnesota 

Hopkins, MN, was widely known as the “Raspberry Capital of the World.” It got its name due to the extensive raspberry production in the first half of the 20th century. That production has since dwindled, but the name lives on locally. The city still hosts an annual raspberry festival to celebrate the tasty fruit.

The state’s raspberry season typically runs from mid-June to October. Some of the varieties you may find at a “U-Pick” orchard, roadside stand, or farmer’s market include Jewel, Nova, Royalty, and Encore.

New York 

The New York raspberry harvest kicks off in late June and typically ends in August. The state has numerous raspberry farms where visitors can pick their own berries or purchase freshly harvested ones. 

A few of the raspberries that grow well in the northern climate include Anne, Royalty, Eden, and Double Gold.

The Finger Lakes region is particularly renowned for its raspberry production. But make sure to head there in July for the best possible picks. Don’t worry if you miss the peak season, though. Some great raspberry wines get produced in the state to tide you over until the next season.

Oregon 

Oregon is another prime location for raspberry cultivation. Its season typically starts in June and continues until October. The Willamette Valley is famous for its raspberry farms. 

There are a range of varieties, including red, black, and golden berries, and many are available at the seemingly endless “U-Pick” farms. But the two most common commercial varieties are Willamette and Meeker. 

Washington 

It should come as no surprise that this northwest state plays an enormous role in national raspberry production. In fact, Washington harvest accounts for 95% of the country’s frozen or processed raspberries. Some varieties that grow well here include Cowichan, Willamette, Chilliwack, and Meeker.

Its season usually begins in early June and lasts until October. Locals can find these delicious treats at food stands or farmer’s markets. Many “U-Pick” farms allow visitors to harvest their own bounty. 

The popular fruit is such a big deal in the state that they get an annual celebration. The Northwest Raspberry Festival in Lynden is a popular event that showcases the region’s rich berry heritage. Visitors can enjoy raspberry-themed treats, live entertainment, and a delightful parade. 

Raspberry Facts

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) belong to the Rosaceae (rose) family, which has nearly 5,000 species in 91 genera. And raspberries, specifically, account for more than 200 of those species. Enthusiasts can find them in orange, red, purple, yellow, or nearly black. They are perennial and spread via an underground root system. 

This delicious fruit has antioxidants, vitamins C and K, B vitamins, fiber, and manganese. It also packs a powerful potassium punch and has omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the natural sugar content is lower than most fruits, making it easier to enjoy as many as you can handle.

Enjoying the gorgeous fruit is pretty straightforward… Just pop them straight in your mouth! But if you get an abundant harvest or find a large amount at your local farmer’s market, you will want to keep them fresh. Stick them in the refrigerator and consume or preserve them within a few days. They make tasty additions to smoothies, salads, pies, and sauces. Another popular preparation is to make and can raspberry jam, syrups, or pie filling.

Raspberries are delicate fruits and should be handled with care to avoid bruising. Look for blemish and mold-free fruit when selecting a container.

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