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7 Fall Fruits You Can Forage in Ohio – And How to Find Them

As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, Ohio’s forests, fields, and riverbanks come alive with delicious wild fruits just waiting to be discovered. Foraging is not only a fun outdoor activity, but it’s also a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy some seasonal flavors that you won’t find in the grocery store.

Whether you’re after pawpaws, elderberries, or the elusive wild grape, Ohio has plenty to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best fruits to forage this fall and how you can find them.

Pawpaws: The Custard-Like Native Delight

pawpaws on tree
Photo by United States Department of Agriculture.

Pawpaws are a hidden gem in Ohio. Known as the largest edible fruit native to North America, pawpaws ripen in September and are a must-try for any forager. These large, green fruits have a soft, custard-like pulp that tastes like a cross between a banana and a mango. They grow in areas with rich soil, especially along riverbanks, floodplains, and shady ravines.

If you’re on the lookout for pawpaws, check out their distinctive oblong shape and greenish-yellow hue. Ripe pawpaws will often have a few brown spots and feel soft to the touch. While you can find pawpaw trees scattered across Ohio, they tend to produce more fruit when exposed to sunlight.

American Persimmons: Sweet Treats of the Forest

american persimmon
American Persimmon. (Diospyros virginiana) Photo by Katja Schulz. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.

If you’re lucky enough to stumble across an American persimmon tree in the fall, you’re in for a treat. The fruit of the persimmon tree turns a deep orange when ripe, usually around late October. These small fruits, which look a bit like wrinkled oranges, have a rich, sweet flavor once they’re fully ripe.

Persimmons grow in well-drained areas, especially along streams and river bottoms. While the tree can grow up to 50 feet tall, it’s often shorter and has distinctive dark grey bark with raised patches. A word of caution: unripe persimmons are astringent and incredibly bitter, so wait until they are soft and wrinkly before harvesting.

Elderberries: Perfect for Jams and Wines

elderberries
Elderberries ripen from late summer to early fall, and they’re a favorite for foragers looking to make jams, jellies, and even wine. These tiny, dark purple berries grow in clusters on elderberry shrubs, which thrive in wet areas like riverbanks, fields, and meadows.

The key to foraging elderberries is to pick the ripe, purple berries while leaving behind the unripe green ones. Keep in mind that the stems, leaves, and unripe berries are toxic, so make sure you’re only collecting the ripe fruit. Elderberries are easy to spot thanks to their white flower clusters that transform into bunches of small, purple berries.

Blackberries and Huckleberries: Sweet Summer’s End

Blackberries in a range of ripeness
Blackberries in a range of ripeness. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Wild blackberries are a quintessential foraging find, and they reach peak season at the end of summer and early fall. These berries grow in brambles along the edges of forests, pastures, and streams. Blackberries are easy to identify with their small black fruits and thorny bushes.

Similarly, black huckleberries ripen from mid to late summer through early fall. These tiny, sweet berries grow on small shrubs in dry, rocky areas or mixed-wood forests. Huckleberries look like smaller, darker blueberries and can often be found growing in clusters.

Wild Grapes: Tangy and Tart Treasures

frost grapes
Frost Grapes. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Ohio is home to several varieties of wild grapes, including riverbank grapes, frost grapes, and summer grapes. These vines grow in sunny, moist areas like riverbanks and woodland clearings. While wild grapes are smaller and more tart than their cultivated counterparts, they’re perfect for making jams, jellies, or even homemade wine.

When foraging for wild grapes, it’s important to distinguish them from look-alike plants that can be toxic, such as the Canada moonseed and Virginia creeper. Wild grapes grow in large clusters and have heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. Be sure to do a little research to make sure you’re picking the right fruit!

Where to Forage in Ohio

wayne national forest
A view of the Allegheny Plateau’s dissected hills. The Allegheny Plateau covers the eastern third of Ohio, and is characterized by hills like these. The Wayne National Forest is located entirely within the Allegheny Plateau. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.

While it’s tempting to grab a basket and head out into the woods, there are a few things to keep in mind when foraging for wild fruit. You can legally collect small amounts of wild edibles for personal use from Ohio state forests and Wayne National Forest without a permit. However, state parks may have different rules, so it’s best to call ahead and confirm.

Foraging is also allowed on private property with permission from the landowner. Whether it’s a friend’s backyard or a family farm, make sure you have consent before you begin harvesting. Avoid foraging in nature preserves or metro parks, as these areas typically have strict no-harvest policies to protect the ecosystem.

Lastly, always ensure the areas where you forage are free from herbicides and pesticides, and avoid picking fruits from areas frequented by dogs.

Final Tips for Foraging

blackberry picking foraging ohio
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Foraging can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important to be mindful of the environment and respectful of the land. Never over-harvest, and be sure to leave enough for wildlife. Also, remember that some fruits, like blackberries and pawpaws, can be picked without causing harm to the plant, but digging up roots, like ginseng or ramps, is prohibited in many areas.

With a little knowledge and a keen eye, you can enjoy some of Ohio’s most delicious and unique wild fruits this fall. So grab a basket, head into the woods, and see what tasty treats nature has in store for you!