The freshest fruits are the ones you pick yourself. 

Linda Piotrowicz, CT Department of Agriculture:

"Pick-your-own (PYO) farms began opening around the state this month, providing residents the chance to harvest fruits and vegetables right off the plant, offering the sweetest, juiciest produce available anywhere.

"Some customers hit the farm on the way home from work, picking just enough for dinner and perhaps the next morning’s breakfast.  Others head out with the family and make a day of it, harvesting by the bushel, then spending the afternoon sorting, trimming, and freezing or canning so that there will be plenty for months to come.

“This is a terrific family activity,” said CT Commissioner of Agriculture F. Philip Prelli. “Not only does it provide delicious, healthy food, it also is a great way for parents and children to get fresh air, exercise, and learn more about where food comes from and how it grows." In the coming weeks, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries will be ready for picking and you can look forward to apple picking in the fall."

Click here to find all the pick-your-own farms and orchards in Connecticut.

Click here to download the CT Department of Agriculture's new brochure, “Pick Your Own Fruits & Vegetables," listing over 80 PYO locations throughout the state.

Read the full article from Linda Piotrowicz, CT Department of Agriculture.