What Parlee Farms offers and how the u-pick system works
Parlee Farms is a u-pick operation in Winona, Minnesota, where you pick your own fruit directly from the plants and pay by weight or by the container. The farm grows strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries across different seasons. You walk into the fields with a container, pick what you want, and then weigh and pay at the farm stand before you leave.
The u-pick model means you control how much you pick and what condition the fruit is in when you take it home. Parlee Farms provides picking containers, though you can bring your own if you prefer. The farm is open during picking season, which runs from late spring through early fall depending on which berries are ripe.
Key Takeaways
- Parlee Farms is located in Winona, Minnesota, and operates a u-pick system where you harvest your own berries and pay by weight or container at the farm stand.
- The farm grows strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, with different crops available at different times of the season.
- You should wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours depending on how much you want to pick.
- Picking containers are provided by the farm, but you can bring your own reusable containers if you want to reduce waste.
- Payment happens at the farm stand after you weigh your fruit, and the farm accepts cash and card payments.
When each berry type is available to pick
Strawberries typically open for picking in late May or early June and run through mid-June. Raspberries come next, usually starting in late June and continuing into July. Blackberries follow in mid-July through August, and blueberries are usually available from mid-July through late August or early September.
Exact dates shift year to year based on weather and ripeness. The farm posts current picking status on its website and social media, so check before you drive out. Some years a crop may open late or close early if there is an unexpected frost or heat wave.
What to wear and bring
Wear closed-toe shoes or boots because you will be walking through fields and stepping around plants. Bring a hat or cap, sunscreen, and a water bottle — you will be outside in direct sun for at least 30 minutes, often longer. The farm provides picking containers, but if you have your own small buckets or baskets, you can use those instead.
Dress in layers if you are going early in the morning, since it may be cool before the sun gets high. Avoid loose clothing that can catch on berry thorns, especially when picking raspberries and blackberries. Bring a small towel or cloth to wipe your hands, since berry juice stains.
How payment works at the farm stand
After you finish picking, you take your container to the farm stand and place it on a scale. The staff weigh your fruit and tell you the total price. Parlee Farms accepts both cash and card payments, so you do not need to bring cash if you do not want to.
Prices vary by berry type and change from year to year. Strawberries are usually the least expensive per pound, while blueberries tend to cost more. The farm stand staff can tell you the current price for each berry before you pick if you ask.
Tips for picking efficiently and getting ripe fruit
Pick berries that are fully colored and come off the plant easily when you gently tug them. Underripe berries will not come loose, so do not force them. For strawberries, look for ones that are completely red all the way to the top. For raspberries and blackberries, wait until they are deep red or black and fall into your hand with almost no pressure.
Pick early in the morning if you can, because berries are firmer and the field is cooler. Avoid picking right after rain, since wet berries bruise more easily and do not store as well. Place berries gently in your container rather than dropping them, especially delicate ones like raspberries.
How to store and use berries after you take them home
Refrigerate your berries as soon as you get home. Strawberries keep for three to five days in the fridge. Raspberries and blackberries are more delicate and last two to three days. Blueberries are the hardiest and can last a week or longer if kept cold.
Do not wash berries until you are ready to eat them, since moisture speeds up mold growth. You can freeze any berries you do not eat fresh — spread them on a baking sheet, freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen berries work well in smoothies, baked goods, and jams.
What to expect on a busy day versus a quiet day
On weekends and weekday afternoons, the farm can be crowded, especially during peak season. You may have to wait a few minutes at the farm stand to weigh your fruit. The fields themselves are usually large enough that you can find a quiet row even when the farm is busy.
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, so if you want a more relaxed experience, plan to go early in the week. Rainy days also see fewer visitors. Call ahead or check the farm's social media if you want to know how busy it is before you drive out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own containers instead of using the farm's?
Yes. You can bring your own buckets, baskets, or containers. The farm will weigh whatever you bring, so there is no penalty for using your own. This is a good option if you want to reduce waste or prefer a specific container size.
What if I pick berries but decide not to buy them?
You can leave them at the farm stand and walk away without paying. There is no obligation to purchase what you pick. However, most people who pick do intend to buy, so this is uncommon.
Are there restrooms at the farm?
Parlee Farms has a farm stand with basic facilities. Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes if you want to clean your hands in the field before heading to the stand. There is no water fountain in the picking areas, so bring your own water.
Can I pick if I have young children?
Yes, many families pick with small children. The rows are accessible and the work is straightforward. Younger children may pick less fruit and tire faster, so plan for a shorter visit. Keep an eye on them around the plants and make sure they stay hydrated.
What happens if the berries are not ripe yet or already picked over?
If you arrive and find the crop is not ready or mostly picked, the farm stand staff will tell you. You can ask when the next picking day is expected or come back another day. Some years certain crops ripen faster or slower than usual.