Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
As the cooler weather approaches, there’s no better time to get outside and make some memories. One of the best ways to do that is through a fun-filled day of raspberry picking!
Raspberry picking offers a host of benefits for kids. For one, it encourages them to get outside and engage with nature. By wandering through the rows of a lush berry patch, kids can gain a greater appreciation for the natural world and the process of growing their own food. At the same time, berry picking helps kids develop their fine motor skills as they learn to gently pluck ripe raspberries from the bush. Perhaps most importantly, raspberry picking provides kids with a healthy snack option. Raspberries are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice for kids of all ages. And by picking them yourself, you can be sure your grandkids are getting the freshest, most flavorful berries possible.
Many farms offer a pick-your-own raspberry patch. Raspberries can produce an early summer crop, or a late summer and fall crop. Be sure to do some research and find one near you. Always call before you go and leave early, as sometimes the fields are picked clean before noon. Once you arrive, you’ll need a few containers for collecting your berries. Farms may charge for containers, so bring your own, but keeping no more than five inches deep so not to bruise the lower berries. Buckets or baskets work well for this purpose. Be sure to snap a few photos of your grandkids amidst the berry bushes!
Here are a few farms to consider visiting:
Ransom Sage Farm is on Rt44 and located in Chardon. There is also a farm market and other fruits and vegetables to pick this fall.
Pick-n-Save Orchard is on Ledge Road in Medina. We have gone here many times in the fall and the grandkids love their frozen apple cider and donuts.
Rittman Orchards is in Doylestown and has plenty of fall varieties of apples and raspberries for picking. Also, fall flowers are available.
Dress your grandchildren in old clothes and consider bringing along some hats and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Don’t forget to pack a few snacks and some water to keep everyone’s energy up throughout the picking time.
If your grandkids are young, consider starting with a small patch or even just a few plants. This can help them get a feel for the process without becoming overwhelmed. Teach them how to pick the raspberries by showing your grandkids how to gently grasp the raspberry and twist it to avoid mashing the delicate fruit. Also be sure to teach them which berries are ripe and ready to eat. Make it a game by seeing who can find the most berries, the biggest berry or the reddest berry. Kids love to eat their fresh-picked berries! Try to limit the amount (you can rinse the berries off with some bottled water). But its fun to enjoy some of your fresh raspberries right there in the patch and can be a great way to savor the experience and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.
Once you’re home, get your grandkids involved in the kitchen by baking a pie or making some jam with your fresh berries. This can be a great way to extend the experience and teach them about cooking.
Raspberries can be frozen. Rinse and place on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then pack in freezer bags or containers and place back into the freezer. Berries will hold their shape and not get mushy. Also, this allows you to grab a few out at a time for use in smoothies, or on top of ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal.
Please join your grandkids outside this beautiful fall season. Find a local patch, grab a bucket and get ready to make some sweet memories.
Photos by Karen Shadrach
