U-Pick Strawberries

For the safety of our community, how to upick strawberries at Rulfs is going to look very different this season. Please read on to find out what we are doing to protect you, and how you can help us.

• Please PAY BEFORE YOU PICK. Areas will be blocked off to purchase containers and wait in line, with clearly marked 6 feet social distancing signage.
• Masks will be required throughout Rulfs Orchard property, including while waiting in line to pay. This includes children aged 2 years and over. Masks are not required while picking unless you are within 6 feet of another customer.
• Please wash/sanitize your hands before entering the field.
• To help social distancing, we ask that you visit the fields in picking groups of six or less.
• Picking containers will be provided. Please do not bring your own.
• Please do not consume fruit or picnic in the fields while picking.
• Cleaning and sanitizing will continue to be strict and regularly carried out. A wash station and sanitizer will be available for visitors.
• On days where a high volume of visitors want to pick, you may be asked to wait in your car until field numbers decrease.
• If you feel unwell, please stay home and do not visit the store or u-pick fields.
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Please be aware that due to the number of different fields and ripening times of our fruit, some details may change day-to-day. If in doubt, ask a staff member.

We want to thank you in advance for your patience as we continue to find the best ways to serve you and keep our customers and staff safe during this difficult time. Ultimately, the safety of the community is our number one priority and we greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding!

How to u-pick strawberries at Rulfs

For the best u-pick strawberries, we advise coming to our fields as soon you can after we announce they are open. Not sure how to find out? If in doubt it’s always best to check here, our Facebook page, or give us a call in the store to get the latest news on availability and conditions.‍

Our strawberry fields will be open and staffed 7AM-5PM during the strawberry season. Please park in the designated areas and make your way down to the fields as marked. Please PAY BEFORE PICKING. You will be given container/s, no need to bring your own.

Please respect the Rulfs property, our employees, and the rules for u-pick - we want everyone to enjoy their berry picking experience with us and stay safe!‍

Note: To protect the integrity of the food we grow, please leave your dogs at home when planning to berry pick at Rulfs.‍

Prices

Pick your own strawberries are $4.50 per quart, 4 for $17.00 or 6 quarts for $25.00.

Fresh in store strawberries are $6.00 per quart.

(An average quart basket of berries is about 1-1.25 lbs).‍

Strawberry picking tips

How you plan to use your freshly picked strawberries can influence the best time of day that you should visit us. Want to eat or use them right away? Great! Pick any time of day! If they are likely not to be used for a couple of days, you should consider picking during the cooler part of the morning or on cloudy days. Remember: picking strawberries on hot, sunny days will result in them softening/spoiling quicker.

Whether you’re a first time visitor to pick your own, or a seasoned u-picker, here are some guidelines on how to best get that berry off the plant and into your hand:

1. Hold the stem of the strawberry between your thumbnail and index finger at about half an inch above the berry, while holding the fruit in your palm.
2. Sever the stem with pressure from your thumbnail while gently twisting the stem.
3. Allow strawberry to roll down into your palm.
4. Repeat step three until both hands are full of strawberries!
5. Gently place your handfuls of picked strawberries into your chosen container. Don’t press the strawberries or heap them over five inches.
   

TIP: Strawberries are definitely best enjoyed the day you pick them or one day after. If you don’t plan on eating your berries the same day or within the next day, plan on freezing or canning them!

We can’t wait to see you for strawberry picking! If you have questions, give us a call... 518-643-8636