2024 Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Central New Mexico Pepper U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Pepper U-Pick farms in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Central New Mexico in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick farms for peppers that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have peppers 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.

Bernalillo County

• Big Jim Farms - Certified organic, chili peppers, other vegetables
  4317 Rio Grande Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Phone: (505) 459-0719. Email: bigjimfarms@gmail.com. Open: annual Green Chile U-PICK from 9am to 5pm every day through October 31, families can enjoy great views and weather at this safe and socially distanced activity. Click here for a map and directions.
  Big Jim Farms Facebook page. . Pick your own green organically grown chiles on a nine-acre farm. They will roast them for you on site. There are other fruits and veggies for U-PICK at his farm, too. There will be an open-air farm market with pre-picked fruits and veggies for sale. Chile-lovers of all ages are invited to attend this free gathering. Chile pricing starts at $1.50 per pound. (Joshua Lee). All chile will be grown chemical free and traditional variety seeds ranging from very mild to extra hot. Free, Only pay for chile and produce. All chile and produce will be grown chemical free and from traditional variety seeds. Chile varieties range from mild to extra hot. Best flavor guarantee! Price per LB, Bushel & Sack.2020 pricing: Chile $1.50 LB, $25 Bushel 25 lbs, $35 a Sack 40 lbs, Roasting $5. Varieties: Joe Parker Mild, Big Jim Medium, Sandia Regular Hot, Native Extra Hot, Mrs Junie Hot) (ADDED: September 1, 2020, JBS)

Valencia County

• Wagner's Farmland Experience - beans, cucumbers, flowers, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, petting zoo, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  1420 Desert Willow Road, Los Lunas, NM 87031. Phone: 505-459-0719. Email: rkwjww1984@yahoo.com. Open: Everyday from 9 am to 6 pm September 6 to October 31. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Wagner's Farmland Experience Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 505-450-7675. Fax: 505-288-3598. . VIVA New Mexico Chile Festival annually, every weekend after labor day. A visitor writes on August 17, 2016: "Cool website. I noticed that you requested info about Wagner's Farm and in New Mexico (Albuquerque and Central area). The Farmland Experience website is still there: http://www.wagnersfarmlandexperience.com/ ,and there's a Wagner's Farm store in Corrales, NM, 5000 Corrales Rd.-Corrales, NM 87048- Sandoval County. I\'m not sure about a phone number, and I am not familiar with the Wagner's spot in Los Lunas. I never go that direction. They have a large selection of local produce, open seasonally from July 15 to about November 15. Produce: corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peaches, watermelon, cantelope, onions, bell pepper, pinto beans, peaches, pears, canned goods, apples, pumpkins, and fresh green chile that can be roasted on the premises. Nope, chile is not spelled wrong. That's a NM thing. Also a little snack area called the Apple Tree Cafe, with the same seasonal schedule. "

 

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Pepper Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

There are various types of peppers based on their characteristics. It's important to note that pepper heat levels can vary, and individual tolerance to spiciness may differ. When using hot peppers, exercise caution and consider using gloves or washing hands thoroughly to avoid skin or eye irritation.

• Sweet Peppers - like Bell Peppers and Banana Pepper , used in salads and sandwiches
• Mild to Medium Heat Peppers - spicy, good for salsa.
  
• Hot Peppers - Often used in Mexican and Thais foods
  
• Very Hot Peppers - For crazy people...

See the table at the bottom of his page for detailed information and a master list of varieties.

When are peppers available?

Peppers are a hot weather crop, and cannot tolerate frost and cold soil. In the U.S. Peppers typically peak hot summer months into the Autumn.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - it's hard to pick in a muddy field!
2. Most growers furnish picking containers (bags), but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
3. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem while the weather is still cool, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Peppers from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Look for Peppers that are :

1. firm
2. Bright and shiny
3. smooth, shiny pods, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out
4. Avoid placing the picked Peppers in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. I prefer to bring a cooler with ice in it. Peppers may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a week or 2.

When you get home

1. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
2. Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra Peppers - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.
   • How to freeze peppers
   • How to can peppers (removing the skins)- P
   • How to can peppers (leaving the skins on) - P
   • Pickled peppers - W, P
   • How to can Hot peppers in oil - W
   • Jalapeno pepper jelly
   • Pepper Jelly, hot or sweet, including chilies, jalapeno, and pimiento
   • How to make chili sauce from your own tomatoes and peppers - W
   • Mixed  vegetable pickles (cauliflower, peppers, onions, celery, cucumber mix) - W, P
   • How to make your own roasted peppers!

 

Name	Heat	Photo	Description	Best uses
Bell Pepper	Sweet		Large, blocky peppers with a mild, sweet flavor. They come in different colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange.	Salads and sandwichs They also add sweetness and color to cooked dishes, stir-fries, and stuffed pepper recipes.
Banana Pepper	Sweet		Long and tapered, they have a mild to moderate heat level and a tangy-sweet flavor.	Salads, subs and sandwiches  Frequently used in pickled form, they add tang and crunch to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. They can also be stuffed or sliced for various culinary applications.
Cubanelle Pepper	Sweet		Light green and elongated, they have a mild heat and a slightly sweet taste.
Pimento Pepper	Sweet		Large and heart-shaped, they have a sweet and fruity flavor, often used for stuffing.	Cooking
Poblano Pepper	Medium		Dark green, heart-shaped peppers with a mild to medium heat level and a slightly smoky flavor.	Frequently used in Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos, mole sauce, and salsas. They can be roasted, stuffed, or sliced and added to various recipes.
Shishito Pepper			Small and thin-walled pepper with a mild and slightly sweet taste.	Popular in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed blistered or charred as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be used in stir-fries, tempura, or stuffed with cheese or other fillings.
Anaheim Pepper	Medium		Mild to medium heat, with a long and narrow shape. They are often used in Southwestern cuisine.	Commonly used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes. They are great for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salsas, chilis, and stews.
Hungarian Wax Pepper	Medium		Medium heat peppers that come in various colors. They have a waxy texture and a tangy flavor.
Chili peppers	Medium			Used in making... wait for it... Chili
Cherry Pepper .	Medium		Small and round, they have a mild to medium heat level and are often used pickled or stuffed	Thai and other Asian cooking
Jalapeño Pepper	Hot Peppers		Medium heat level with a distinctive bright green color and a slightly smoky flavor.	They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They add a spicy kick to salsas, guacamole, nachos, and are often used for stuffing or pickling.
Arbol peppers	Hot Peppers
Serrano Pepper	Hot Peppers		Hotter than jalapeños, they have a bright green color and a spicy taste.	Commonly used in salsas and sauces. Adds a spicy heat to salsas, pico de gallo, hot sauces, and other Mexican dishes. They can also be pickled or used to infuse flavor into oils and vinegars.
Cayenne Pepper	Hot Peppers		Thin and elongated, they are known for their fiery heat.	Often used in powdered form as a spice. Often used in powdered form as a spice for adding heat to various dishes. It can be sprinkled over pizzas, used in sauces, or added to spice rubs for grilling or roasting meats.
Thai Bird's Eye Pepper	Hot Peppers		Small and slender, they pack a powerful heat punch.	Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. They are perfect for adding heat and flavor to stir-fries, curries, soups, and dipping sauces.
Habanero Pepper	Very hot		One of the hottest peppers, with a fruity flavor and intense heat. Use with caution.	Adds intense spiciness to salsas, hot sauces, marinades, and jerk recipes. Use with caution and in small amounts due to its high heat level.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper	Very hot		Similar to habaneros, they have a tropical fruity flavor and fiery heat.	Commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
Carolina Reaper	Very hot		One of the hottest peppers in the world, known for its extreme heat. Handle with extreme caution.

 
 

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