BLUEBERRY PICKING
And Blueberry picking season in Boston and the MetroWest region typically runs from early July through late August. Due to mild spring weather conditions, some area farms are expecting an early start at the end of June. High-bush blueberries are native to Massachusetts, making them a staple crop for local farms and a popular mid-summer family activity.
Here are some of the top farms:
Tougas Family Farm (Northborough, MA)
This prominent orchard features 8.5 acres of high-bush blueberries. They cultivate over 8 different varieties engineered for simple, standing-position picking. They have a country store, playground, barnyard animals, and a cafe serving fresh baked goods and ice cream. Their harvest season spans from July through mid-August. Its worth the trip.
Nourse Farm, Westborough, MA
Operating continuously since 1722, this historic farm avoids commercial gate fees and charges pickers strictly by the pound. They also feature a farmstand and an on-site farm-to-table food truck.
Wards Berry Farm - Sharon Mass
If you’ve never been, think of it as much more than a farm stand.
Ward’s is a 175-acre working family farm that has grown into a destination for:
Pick-your-own berries
Farm animals
Hayrides
A terrific farm market
Fresh baked goods
Sandwiches and lunch
Ice cream
Seasonal festivals and events
What we love about Ward’s is that you can easily make a half-day of it. Pick berries, browse the market, grab lunch, and walk the grounds. It feels rural without being a long drive.
Sunshine Farms- Sherborn Mass
Sunshine Farm is a longtime family farm in Sherborn and is especially known locally for:
Blueberry picking
Strawberries
Raspberries
Peaches
Apples
Ice cream
A classic farm stand experience
One thing that makes Sunshine special is how close it is to us in Wellesley while still feeling like you’ve escaped to the countryside. It’s a lovely place for a low-key summer outing. It’s not only blueberry picking... We often go for the AMAZING ice cream stand. The view of the farm is stunning and we often enjoy our ice-cream on the backyard benches as we soak up the lovely surroundings. It’s quintessential New England!
After a morning of blueberry picking, there is only one thing left to do—Go Home and Make Pie!
Here is an Easy New England Blueberry Pie recipie...
Ingredients
5 cups fresh blueberries
¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (top and bottom)
1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, gently toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
Pour in the blueberry mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.
Cover with the top crust, crimp the edges, and cut a few small slits in the top.
Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F.
Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for another 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Let cool before serving.
Serve plain, with whipped cream, or best of all with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Devon's Tip: If you're lucky enough to pick your own blueberries, save a handful to sprinkle over the top when serving. It makes the pie look as beautiful as it tastes.