Berry Picking
Over the last few years, Tony and I have really enjoyed finding you pick orchards. This past weekend we made a little day trip to Michigan to pick some cherries, blueberries and raspberries. Indiana and Michigan are full of hidden gems and one of our favorites is Lehman's Orchard near Niles, Michigan.
Lehman's Orchard
Steve Lechlieder is the Third generation to run the orchard, which was started by his grandfather, Ralph Lehman in 1929. It was a treat to chat with Steve and his Mom Jane, I loved hearing about the history of the orchard. Lehman's also makes all sorts of things with fruit and veggies that they grow on the farm. We were excited to try out a flight of their cider at the nearby Farmhouse. They serve lunch and dinner as well as their own ciders and beer.
Michigan back roads
Tart Cherries
Cherries waiting to be picked
U-Pick Cherries
All the fruit is a little ahead of schedule this year because of the weather. I was so disappointed we missed cherry season last year, so Tony made sure we got some this year. We were able to buy some frozen last year, but it's just not the same. I remember picking cherries when I was little and taking them straight to grandma's house which insured the best cherry pie around! The best part (in my opinion) is after picking the cherries, heading back across the road where we washed and pitted the cherries in the vintage 1947 cherry pitter.
Grapes, blueberries and potted trees
Buckets for washing cherries
The cherry pitting barn
The cherry pitter in action
Early blueberries and raspberries were ready, and I couldn't resist! I love having berries in the freezer for smoothies and baking. We ended up with 7.5 pounds of cherries, which yielded enough for 2 pies. My grandma's recipe calls for 6 cups of cherries, so I froze 2 bags each with 6 cups. I had a little extra, so we're having cherry crisp for dessert tonight. The blueberries are freezing on cookie trays and once they are frozen solid I will put those in freezer bags. We already ate most of the raspberries, so I might do some more picking later this summer.
We're all out of canned peaches, and my peach trees aren't producing yet... so I'm thinking we will get some later this summer. My pear tree is loaded! So let me know if you might want some, they should be ready mid August. Let me know if you have a favorite orchard in the comments! I always love to check out new places.
