Gooseberries, anyone?

We put out several gooseberry bushes a few years ago. They have established themselves and this year they're loaded with berries! I love gooseberry pie, but I've never dealt with the raw product before. How do we know when they are ready to pick? They're quite hard -- will they soften up or should I pick now?

These are my gooseberries as of this morning:

They won't be ready until they turn dark purple (although your variety may be different). But I've learned the hard way, that before they ripen, I need to cover them with bird netting. As much as I like the animals in my back yard (with the exception of the nasty squirrels), I don't want them to enjoy my ripe gooseberries.

Your gooseberries are gorgeous!

And thanks for the net advice! I'll pick up some netting this week.

is there any place in chicago where i could buy them?

I just saw them at the Ridgeville Farmer's market 5 minutes ago (Ridge & Seward, Evanston Wednesdays 4-8)

I've seen them at other farmer's markets as well...we bought some, ate a few and made gooseberry jam.

I'm sure I've seen them in years past at the Nichols Farms booths at farmers markets around town. I know they've had them at the Wicker Park farmers market...

They had several varieties of gooseberries at the Nichols Farm booth today at the Daley Plaza. Check their website to see if they will be at a Farmer's Market near you.

They have, however, run out of lettuce for a while. Whatever that means.

Suzy

sdritz wrote:They had several varieties of gooseberries at the Nichols Farm booth today at the Daley Plaza. Check their website to see if they will be at a Farmer's Market near you.

They have, however, run out of lettuce for a while. Whatever that means.

Suzy

Too hot for lettuce!