Berry picking is in full swing the first week of June and may last until early July! Blackberry picking is the ideal activity for all ages and I took my crew to a hidden gem in Royse City, Texas. Just off of County Road 2580 you can visit Oneal Berry Farm.
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After a nice drive through the gated farm we parked near the barn and were welcomed with smiles by the sweet Elizabeth Oneal. I told her we came prepared by bringing our own baskets and it is just one less headache when managing a car ride with little people. However, she had lightweight berry baskets available for visitors to use. Ms. Oneal was kind to show us where to go, pick and what to look for in finding the ripe blackberries right off the stem. When ripe, the berry will detach easily. She gave us peace of mind that they grow their berries pesticide and herbicide free. In fact, their champion exterminators were very present that morning clucking and eating bugs amongst the berry pickers.
Our kiddos did very well in understanding their assignment of finding the plump blackberries, put it in their basket and transfer those berries into the main blue bucket that my son carried. Of course my twin daughters didn’t really fill their basket entirely so don’t worry we left berries there for your visit.
There were several rows of thornless shrubs with trailing vines, however, guests are asked to stay in a specific row to help with giving enough time for berries to be ready to harvest.
The Oneal Berry Farm is open normally on Monday – Thursday 8am – Noon and Friday-Sunday 8am-noon and 5pm-8pm. Be sure to check their website or their Facebook page for special announcements before your drive in case there is a weather issue or a harvest update. Located at: 7726 Co Rd 2580, Royse City, TX 75189.
After you finish berry picking you return back to the barn, Ms. Oneal weighs your bucket and you pay by the pound. She accepts cash and/or pay by credit card. Also available for purchase are unique items like a variety of charcuterie boards, frozen berries, jams and jellies!
Charcuterie Boards
How Much Does It Cost To Pick Your Own Berries?
Homemade Blackberry Jalapeno Jam, Blackberry Jam and Blackberry Jelly
I could not resist after tasting a sample available and it was delightful! So I purchased the half pint of Blackberry Jalapeno Jam and yes I plan to use it on one of my OMAD recipes. You can serve it alongside a triple cream brie or mix into a hot goats cheese dip. Add to your next grilled cheese or panini. I don’t plan to buy a turkey anytime soon, but I’m sure it would taste delicious with cheddar melted on it or use in your next BLT. To give it an extra kick of how you doing?
After our ride back from getting ice cream from Ham Orchard and listening to Raining Tacos, I remembered that I don’t have a specific recipe. I’m leaning towards making a scone with a lemon glaze or a blackberry cobbler. Tell me in the comments what your favorite recipes are and if I do your recipe I will give you the recipe credit on my website.
3 comments
Thank you so much for the great article and recommendation! We’re glad you enjoyed yourself as much as we love growing blackberries!
Hi Elizabeth! You are so welcome. We enjoyed our visit to your farm and I look forward to sharing my recipe from the blackberries that we picked.