One of the best things about summer in Wisconsin is finally getting that fresh, local, farm-grown produce we've been craving all winter. Whether you pick it up at a farmers market or your local grocery store, nothing beats the crunch of a fresh apple or the sweetness of strawberries that have never seen the inside of a refrigerated semi. So take a moment, close your eyes, and imagine the juicy freshness of a strawberry picked straight from the forb.
(Fun fact: Because there is no wood substance in strawberry stems, they technically grow on forbs rather than bushes.)
Many of us have childhood memories of apple orchards and pumpkin patches, but there are plenty of farms in Wisconsin where you can pick summer produce like berries and grapes too. Every fruit hits its prime at a different point in the summer, so check out our Timeline of Tastiness (at right) and head out to one of these five farms to experience fresh fruit like never before.
1. Saxon Harbor Berry Farm (Saxon)
Saxon Harbor Berry Farm starts its summer with fresh strawberries and rhubarb, moves quickly into blackberry season and finishes off with beautiful bundles of blueberries. Its Facebook page is regularly updated to let you know which fruits are ripe for the picking before you make the trip.
2. Oakwood Fruit Farm (Richland Center)
At Oakwood Fruit Farm, picking fresh apples and Concord Grapes is just the beginning. The fifth-generation family farm also offers homemade caramel apples, fresh cider and delicious apple cider donuts. Its season begins in August when apples and grapes come to fruition and runs until they sell out in December.
3. North Wind Organic Farm (Bayfield)
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Wisconsin, North Wind Organic Farm has more than 2 acres of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries and over 100 apple trees, all of which are completely organic. Staying true to its commitment to promote social change, the farm goes beyond organic standards, emphasizing alternative energy, self-reliance and environmental quality consideration as well.
4. Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market (Mauston)
With more than 6,000 strawberry plants per acre, Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market is the perfect place to max out before the season ends. Pick fresh apples and strawberries from the fields or head to the farm market for fresh blueberries, apple slushies and gorgeous freshly picked flowers.
5. Blue Vista Farm (Bayfield)
It's hard to say what's more incredible: the fruit at Blue Vista Farm or the farm itself. Overlooking Lake Superior from a remote peninsula, the rich forests and organic fields are meant to block the stress of the world and "mindfully connect (us) to the land that feeds and nourishes our bodies and spirits." If you've been craving a relaxation day, there's no better place to spend it than surrounded by fresh blueberries, strawberries and apples as far as the eye can see.
Freshly picked fruits are delicious by themselves, but they also make incredible pies, jams and toppings. Head out to one of these seven wonderful Wisconsin farmers markets for the missing ingredients and share your favorite fruity recipes on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Mara Benowitz is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
(Fun fact: Because there is no wood substance in strawberry stems, they technically grow on forbs rather than bushes.)
Many of us have childhood memories of apple orchards and pumpkin patches, but there are plenty of farms in Wisconsin where you can pick summer produce like berries and grapes too. Every fruit hits its prime at a different point in the summer, so check out our Timeline of Tastiness (at right) and head out to one of these five farms to experience fresh fruit like never before.
1. Saxon Harbor Berry Farm (Saxon)
Saxon Harbor Berry Farm starts its summer with fresh strawberries and rhubarb, moves quickly into blackberry season and finishes off with beautiful bundles of blueberries. Its Facebook page is regularly updated to let you know which fruits are ripe for the picking before you make the trip.
2. Oakwood Fruit Farm (Richland Center)
At Oakwood Fruit Farm, picking fresh apples and Concord Grapes is just the beginning. The fifth-generation family farm also offers homemade caramel apples, fresh cider and delicious apple cider donuts. Its season begins in August when apples and grapes come to fruition and runs until they sell out in December.
3. North Wind Organic Farm (Bayfield)
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Wisconsin, North Wind Organic Farm has more than 2 acres of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries and over 100 apple trees, all of which are completely organic. Staying true to its commitment to promote social change, the farm goes beyond organic standards, emphasizing alternative energy, self-reliance and environmental quality consideration as well.
4. Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market (Mauston)
With more than 6,000 strawberry plants per acre, Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market is the perfect place to max out before the season ends. Pick fresh apples and strawberries from the fields or head to the farm market for fresh blueberries, apple slushies and gorgeous freshly picked flowers.
5. Blue Vista Farm (Bayfield)
It's hard to say what's more incredible: the fruit at Blue Vista Farm or the farm itself. Overlooking Lake Superior from a remote peninsula, the rich forests and organic fields are meant to block the stress of the world and "mindfully connect (us) to the land that feeds and nourishes our bodies and spirits." If you've been craving a relaxation day, there's no better place to spend it than surrounded by fresh blueberries, strawberries and apples as far as the eye can see.
Freshly picked fruits are delicious by themselves, but they also make incredible pies, jams and toppings. Head out to one of these seven wonderful Wisconsin farmers markets for the missing ingredients and share your favorite fruity recipes on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Mara Benowitz is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.