Pick your own farm experiences are far and few between these days, but Logan still has a couple places you can go if you want some family friendly farm fun. Here’s my guide on pick your own experiences around Logan.
Dragon fruit
Forest Dragon Fruit Farm in Forestdale is one of only a handful of dragon fruit farms in south-east Queensland and the only one in Logan. And lucky for us, dragon fruit season is in full swing right now up until July.
The farm offers a pick your own experience, where you can pick from a large variety of dragon fruits including Aussie Gold (yellow fruit), Taiwan Purple, Scott’s Purple, Purple Haze, Pink Panther, Columbia Red and more.
When you’re picking your own, you have to be somewhat careful though – being a type of cactus, dragon fruit plants can be a bit prickly.
If you don’t want to pick them yourself, you can buy them fresh from the farm stall as well along with other goodies fresh from the garden, such as leafy greens, chillis, melons and pumpkins.
If you’ve never tasted a dragon fruit before, I would describe it as subtly sweet, tasting like a mix of kiwi fruit and pear, depending on the variety.
Figs and grapes
Forest Dragon Fruit Farm have also branched out this year, planting a variety of European figs and Japanese grapes – set to be ready for ‘pick your own’ next season (November through to May).
Grape varieties include Kyoho, Shine Muscat, Summer Black and Jasmine Muscat and fig varieties include Stella from Italy and Longue d’Aout’ from France.
Very excited for this!
Forest Dragon Fruit Farm is located at 151 Dickman Road, Forestdale.
Strawberries
During August through to November, Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm opens its doors for families to pick and enjoy a punnet (or two) of juicy strawberries or their famous strawberry ice-cream.
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family affair, owned by fifth generation strawberry growers. The farm first opened its doors in 2000, but they have family history from way back in 1959 when the owner’s relatives grew strawberries for Cottee’s Jams.
Along with picking your own strawberries, the farm has a shop where you can enjoy homemade strawberry ice cream, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry jams, fresh farm produce and coffee.
Delicious!
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is located at 912-956 Chambers Flat Road.
Mulberries
Mulberries grow like weeds all around Logan, you can find them at local parks, beside riverbeds and in paddocks.
Mulberries are nutrient-rich berries that are packed with vitamin c, iron, vitamin k and antioxidants – and they taste delicious!
They don’t sell them in shops because they have a very short life – they bruise easily and can go bad within two days. But, freezing them works.
Each year, my family and I go out picking and end up with baskets full for fresh eating and for the freezer. We bake with them, turn them into smoothies and jams.
Before picking berries out in the wild, make sure to do your research first though. If you are not 100 per cent sure what something is don’t touch it!
Fresh from the farm
While these farms don’t offer a pick your own experience, they do sell their farm fresh produce direct to the public.
During March, Persimmons Rochedale harvest fresh persimmons directly from their orchards and sell to the public. Persimmons have astringent taste with hints of honey and apricot; they are often eaten fresh or semi-dried and can be used in jellies or pastes.
Jarvis Strawberry Store sell fresh strawberries, flowers, corn and more direct from their farm store in Rochedale. They operate as a fruit shop all year round.
Do you know of any ‘pick your own spots’ in Logan?
