2024 Colusa, Lake, Napa, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties in California Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties in California in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cucumbers that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have cucumbers orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Sacramento County

• R Kelley Farms - Black-Eyes, Purple Hulls, Crowder peas, Green Beans, Italian Beans, Sweet Peas, Speckled Butter Beans, Cranberry Beans, Okra, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Onions, Bell Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Hot Hot Peppers, Squash, Cucumbers
  1120 Scribner Road, Sacramento, CA 95832. Phone: 916-665-1191. Email: fresh@rkelleyfarms.com. Open: July through October Wednesday through Sunday 8am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . . See their website for availability and prices for u-pick. Our services include u-pick, we-pick; farm fresh eggs plus pea shelling and delivery. The farm specializes in growing black-eye, purple hull, crowder peas. We also offer green beans, speckled butter beans, garbanzo beans and cranberry beans. To compliment the fresh peas and beans, the farm has a variety of other items. This list includes tomatoes, okra, sweet corn, peppers, squash, cucumbers, yams, onions, winter greens and several types of sweet melons.
  Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2009: "They had everything.I counter about 7 different melons from casaba to savors to a yellow meat watermelon--they have black eye peas, purple hull peas, okra, squash, and the biggest onions in the world, and some beautiful purple bell peppers( never seen those before).the watermelon is to die for and I eat a passport melon(something new)on the way home. I was there on Sunday and they had Live Jazz on the farm. They said they do tours for kids and community groups. They had an employee restroom that they let me used, which was very clean. There is a nice pinic area with a manicured lawn, with BBQ pit access. This is not an organic farm however the farm said he only sprays when he has too. The crops look amazing you can but your items already picked and shelled or pick your own. Personally, I got a bag of shelled black eyes for $13.50 for 5lbs my mother was impressed. I was able to lie and say I picked them myself.I loved the veggies and people. From the diverse staff to the multi-cultural customers, I did not want to leave so they told me to go hang out on the lawn and eat my melons, so I did with the Jazz."
  Comments from a visitor on July 22, 2009: "Very sweet and a variety of melons. Very fresh produce and unique varieties. They specialize in fresh southern peas. Very friendly. They have restroom and a picnic area. You can schedule a tour. The owner is a Certified Crop Advisor and will conduct the tour. He also is a mentor for young adults. ( 10 yrs---18 yrs old) "

Solano County

• Larry's Produce - tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, eggplants, hot chili peppers, peppers
  4606 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, CA 94534. Phone: 707-864-8068. Open: 9 am to 5 pm daily. Click here for a map and directions. . Their farmer's market offers local peaches, apricots, plums, pears, sweet corn, melons and much more. In October, they have a pumpkin patch, hay maze, and the have Christmas trees in December. Larry's offers local peaches, apricots, plums, pears, sweet corn, melons and much more. U-Pick crops available including tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, eggplants, hot chiles, peppers..you will find everything you need at Larry's. (UPDATED: May 07, 2018, JBS)

Yolo County (Sacramento area)

• Loving Nature Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  38883 Z Line Road, Clarksburg, CA 95612. Phone: 916-899-1154. Email: michaelwong250@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, all year round. Directions: On Jefferson Blvd heading south, make a right on Hamilton Road, at the end of Hamilton Road make a left on Z Line Road, go 0.4 mile and arrive at the first house on your left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Loving Nature Farm . All year round for a wide selection of U-pick seasonal fruit and vegetables. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We can grow a wide variety of all-natural vegetables on demand, lease small plots to those who are interested in growing organic food for themselves. We welcome all kinds of activities and functions by prior arrangements. We also deliver CSA boxes to homes and offices. (UPDATED: May 28, 2018, JBS)

 

How to pick cucumbers

When it comes to selecting cucumbers at a farm, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best ones. Here are two to three paragraphs of guidance to help you make the right selection:

1. Look for firmness and texture: The first thing you should check is the firmness and texture of the cucumber. Gently squeeze the cucumber to determine its firmness. A good cucumber should feel firm but not rock-hard. Avoid cucumbers that are overly soft or mushy, as these are signs of deterioration. Additionally, examine the skin texture. It should be smooth and shiny, without any wrinkles or blemishes. A uniformly colored skin is also an indicator of a fresh cucumber .The top cucumber in the photo is an overripe pickling cucumber.  The bottom cucumber is perfect!

2. Smaller size is better: Cucumbers come in various sizes and shapes, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, there are a few general guidelines to follow.
Choose slicing cucumbers that are about 6 to 8 inches long, as they tend to have a better flavor and texture.
Burpless cucumbers may be much longer . Pickling cucumbers should be smaller, like 4 to 5 inches.
Avoid extremely large cucumbers, as they can be tough and have large seeds. In terms of shape, look for cucumbers that are straight and cylindrical. Avoid ones that are excessively curved or have bulges, as they may have developed irregularities during growth.

3. Look for dark color and freshness: The color of the cucumber can provide valuable information about its freshness. Ideally, cucumbers should have a vibrant green color, indicating that they are ripe and freshly harvested. Avoid cucumbers that have a dull or yellowish color, (like the top cucumber in the photo) as this could be a sign of overripeness or age. Additionally, check the stem end of the cucumber. It should be fresh-looking and not shriveled or dried out. A fresh cucumber will have a crisp snap when broken, while a stale one may feel limp or bend without resistance.

Cucumber Varieties

There are many types of cucumbers so it is important to select the  right type for your purpose.

1. Pickling Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are specifically cultivated for making pickles. They are smaller in size, have a firm texture, and a slightly bumpy or knobby skin. Pickling cucumbers often have a more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for preserving in brine or vinegar. Gherkins are simply very small (1.5 to 2.5 inch long immature pickling cucumbers.

2. Slicing Cucumbers: Slicing cucumbers are the most common type of cucumber found in grocery stores. They are typically larger than pickling cucumbers and have a smooth, dark green skin. Slicing cucumbers are great for fresh eating and are often used in salads, sandwiches, or as a refreshing snack.

3.Burpless, English or European Cucumbers: English cucumbers are longer and thinner than slicing cucumbers. They have a mild, crisp taste and a thin, tender skin that does not require peeling. These cucumbers are often referred to as "burpless" due to their reputation for being less likely to cause indigestion or gas.

4. Persian Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are similar to English cucumbers but slightly shorter and thicker. They have a sweet and crunchy flesh, and their skin is thin and edible. Persian cucumbers are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and are great for salads or as a healthy snack.

5. Lemon Cucumbers: Lemon cucumbers are small, round cucumbers that resemble lemons in shape and color. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a thin, tender skin. Lemon cucumbers are often eaten fresh, added to salads, or pickled.

6. Armenian Cucumbers: Armenian cucumbers, also known as snake cucumbers or yard-long cucumbers, are long and slender with a twisted or curved shape. They have a thin, pale green skin and a crisp texture. Armenian cucumbers are often used in salads, sandwiches, or pickled.

7. Kirby Cucumbers: Kirby cucumbers are small, bumpy cucumbers that are popular for pickling due to their firmness and crunchy texture. They have a slightly bitter taste and are known for their ability to retain their shape and crunchiness during the pickling process.

These are just a few examples of cucumber types and varieties. Each has its own unique characteristics, so you can choose the one that best suits your culinary needs and preferences.

Pickling Cucumbers  (in water bath canners )

Cucumbers are not acidic so they ONLY way you may safely can them is as pickles:

• Bread and butter cucumber pickles - W, P
• Cucumber pickles (kosher dill, bread & butter,  or processed etc.) using mixes  - W, P
• Dill pickles, from scratch - W, P
• Old-fashioned fermented general store barrel dill pickles - W, P - (more photos coming)
• Cucumber pickle relish!  - W, P - This is the classic hamburger relish!
• No-canning-needed refrigerator cucumber pickles (kosher dill) - W, P
• Low salt / reduced salt low calorie dill pickles.
• Low-salt bread and butter pickles
• Sweet Pickled Gherkins - W, P
• Sweet Pickles (quick recipe) - W, P
• Zucchini pickles (bread-and-bu

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers