2024 Eastern Manitoba, Canada Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Eastern Manitoba, Canada 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 a province or region have cucumbers farms 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Eastern

• Penner Pumpkins Farm Store - Uses natural growing practices, cucumbers, flowers, herbs or spices, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes,
  Highway 12 North, Steinbach, MB R5G0C4. Phone: . Email: ppfarmstore@gmail.com. Open: July - Middle of September Thurs - Fri from 1 pm to 8 pm Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Directions: Steinbach, Manitoba From Golfair Road 14 mile north on Highway 12 North, than left and straight to the fence. Take a right and there is an . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Penner Pumpkins Farm Store Facebook page.
• Red Stag Ranch - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, you-dig carrots, sweet corn, pickling cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, garlic, lettuce or salad greens, onions, snow peas (flat edible pod), hot peppers, sweet peppers, carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, Swiss chard, summer squash, winter squash, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, Other vegetables, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, herbs or spices, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, WiFi is available, Cell service cell phones work here, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, events at your location (call for info)
  31144 Road 32n (also Known As Ridge Road Or Ph303), Steinbach, MB R5G 1M9. Phone: 204-326-2614. Email: redstagranch@yahoo.com. Open: Typical season is from June to September Monday to Saturday 8 am to 12 pm Hours vary considerably; please call or see our Facebook page for current availability and hours. Directions: Three miles south of Steinbach on highway 12, turn west \(left\) onto Road 32N \(also called Ridge Road or PH303\). Drive two miles and turn into second driveway on south side of road after intersection of Road 32N and Road 32E \(also known as Bristol Road\). If you see a large barn with a red roof, you have arrived. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, All credit cards. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, All credit cards.
  Red Stag Ranch Facebook page. Three miles south of Steinbach on highway 12, turn west (left) onto Road 32N (also called Ridge Road or PH303). Drive two miles and turn into second driveway on south side of road after intersection of Road 32N and Road 32E (also known as Bristol Road). If you see a large barn with a red roof, you have arrived. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification Click here for our Instagram page. (ADDED: February 26, 2023)
• T&T Fruit and Vegetables - beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, onions, other berries, peas, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food
  58082 Juno Road, Elma, MB R0E 0Z0. Phone: 204-348-2976. Email: tim@ttvegetables.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque.
  T&T Fruit and Vegetables Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates T&T is a U-Pick/Pre-Pick Vegetable and Strawberry Farm. Our Non GMO Fruit and Vegetables are grown in a rich soil without the use of any fertilizer. T&T was the first Strawberry Farm to open in Elma. It is a family run business that was started in 1977 by Tony and Grace Proceviat. They stayed in business for a number of years until they retired in 2000. After that, we turned the Berry Farm into a Vegetable Farm. In 2015, we decided to go back to the farm's roots and re-introduced Strawberries at T&T. (UPDATED: June 13, 2024, JBS) (ADDED: August 25, 2016)

 

Cucumber

Cucumber Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

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