’Tis the season for berries! Currently, you can find a myriad of scrumptious berries at the Lane County Farmers Market. Among them are strawberries, blueberries, boysenberries, marionberries, blackberries, raspberries, currants, and gooseberries. You have the option to buy a 3-pack and try out different kinds, purchase them in bulk and freeze them to use year-round in smoothies, shaved ice, or a homemade pie, or you can buy a pint to snack on while roaming the market.
Want to pick your own blueberries? You can find all the local U-Pick options in Willamette Valley in the Locally Grown Guide. Last week LCFM made a visit to Upriver Organics, located by the McKenzie River outside of Leaburg where they offer U-Pick from July through the end of August. This gives you the opportunity to wander a 2.5-acre field and harvest fresh, crisp blueberries with friends or family and meet your local farmers. Because you are harvesting the berries you will be taking home, this tends to be a more fun and affordable option than buying berries at the farmers market or at the store. Click here for more info.
Here are some questions we asked customers, staff, and the owner during LCFM’s U-Pick visit to Upriver Organics.
Why do you come to U-Pick?
“It’s not only a great family outing, it’s also a great way to stock up for the winter on really high-quality fruit at a very reasonable price.”
Customer
Why do you choose to come to U-Pick over purchasing berries at the store or at the farmers market?
“Going to U-pick offers the benefit of building memories with our kids while interacting with where our food comes from. We like to have them work for it.”
Customer
What would you like the public to know about U-Pick?
“I think the coolest thing is you get to have a social interaction with who you bring out here. They can be a date, a family member, or someone you would like to get to know better. You don’t have to make eye contact, yet you still get to talk together. And you get berries at the end of it. It’s a really good deal.”
Jack Richardson, Owner of Upriver Organics
What is U-Pick season like?
“We see a bunch of families come through. Everyone is always in a good mood. Some people like to bring their own carts and fill it up as much as possible. And you get to guess how much the blueberries weigh, which is very, very fun.”
Staff member
Below is a list of vendors who will be selling berries at the market through July. Please check the vendor map to see who will be present at the market!