2024 Edmonton area of Alberta, Canada Currant U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Currant U-Pick Orchards in Edmonton area of Alberta, Canada in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for currants that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a province or region have currants 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.

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Edmonton area of Alberta

• Berry Ridge - currants (red and black), saskatoons
  Box 2, Site 10 RR4, Edmonton, AB T5E 5S7. Phone: 780-916-0244. Email: wade@berryridgeorchard.com. Open: July, August. Directions: Please phone for directions . We are . Click here for a map and directions. . open Our hours are: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm We sell chokecherries and fresh cut flowers. We also sell fruit packed for commercial use by processors
• Creekside Home and Garden - raspberries (red), saskatoons, Black Currants, cranberries, chokcherries, gift shop, restrooms, U-pick and already picked, farm market
  215 Street And 23 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T7Y 1A9. Phone: (780) 470-0527. Email: info@cshg.ca. Open: Hours of operation change seasonally. Directions: Please visit our website for a map to our farm and garden centre. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Creekside Home and Garden Facebook page. Fax: (780) 470-0565Please check online Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesCrops are usually available starting in JulyBlack Currants. Bedding Plants, Trees and Shrubs in season. grows an assortment of delicious berries. Quality and timing of the berries greatly depend on the weather through the growing and fruit season, so be sure to *call ahead for crop quality and stateSASKATOON BERRIES Approximate season; 3rd week of July - 2nd week of AugustRASPBERRIES Approximate season: 3rd/4th week of July - 1st week of SeptemberCRANBERRIES Approximate season: 1st week of September - 3rd week of SeptemberBLACK CURRANTS Approximate season: 4th week of July - 2nd week of AugustCHOKECHERRIES Approximate season: 4th week of August - 4th week of September. (UPDATED: February 16, 2019)
• Grove Berry Patch - saskatoons, raspberries, black currants, high bush cranberries and vegetables
  52430 Range Road 265, Spruce Grove, AB . Phone: 780-962-5824. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 780-999-8141daily 9 am to 6 pm and evenings by appointment; Extended during Saskatoon season, open 'til duskGPS: Latitude: N53 degrees 31, 554 Longitude: W113 degrees 48, 781. Off Highway 16A between Spruce Grove and Edmonton. Turn south on Range Road 265 (also known as Spruce Valley Road) and go 1.5 km. Farm is on the right, watch for large gate sign. Also, watch for new blue highway signs. Please, don't forget to call ahead to check what berry and vegetables are ready for you! is a family owned and operated farm with 20 acres of saskatoon berries and 1 acre of raspberries, black currants, high bush cranberries and vegetablesis a terrific one stop shop near Edmonton for seasonal vegetables and local berries. Kameron and Carol Jones have transformed the farm into a thriving, exciting and fun place to visit. During berry season, young and old are invited to come and pick berries and garden vegetables. (ADDED: September 7, 2017, JBS)
• Joe and Audrey's Berry Farm - Saskatoon berries, Black currants, Gooseberries, High-bush cranberry, Wild black cherries (chokecherries), Raspberries, Pin cherries, Sour cherries
  52430 RR 265, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3H2. Phone: 780-962-5824. Click here for a map and directions. Fax:. Saskatoons started in 1985 - 1993; all mature and 16 acres in full production. 11 kms west from CFRN station in Edmonton on Hwy 16A to Range Road 265 or Spruce Valley Road. Turn left (south) and go 1.5 km.
• Pipestone Berry Farm - beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, currants (red and black), onions, haskaps, other berries, peas, raspberries, rhubarb, saskatoons, tomatoes, other vegetables, and prepicked produce
  Hwy 795, Millet, AB T0C1Z0. Phone: 780-387-5466. Email: russw@incentre.net. Open: Daily Mid June thru August from 9 am to 6 pm Rhubarb May-June . Directions: 19 Km west of Millet, Mid way between Wizzard Lake and Pigeon Lake on Hwy 795. Watch for signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Fax: 780-387-7486Saskatoons Early July -Mid Aug. Raspberries Late July--End August Vegetables Mid-June end Aug We have a 10 acre park like berry farm established in 2000 with over 3000 producing Northline, Thiessen and Martin Saskatoon trees as well as raspberries, rhubarb, honeyberry, black and red currant and a well cared for vegetable garden. A small on site kiosk provides refreshments, our own jams, jellies, preserves, vegetables and frozen (U Bake) pies and recipes. A full service restaurant is located one block away. Handicap access to berries is provided with golf carts and all areas are seeded to lawn. Ample on site parking and picnic tables are available for groups or individuals. Over 40 birdhouses provide nesting for swallows who provide us with a virtual mosquito free picking area. Wear hats for picking and long sleeves for picking raspberries. For further info contact Tonia or Russ by phone, fax or e mail.
• Prairie Berry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, cherries, currants (red and black), other berries, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), saskatoons, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  51220 Range Road 213, Sherwood Park, AB T8G 1E7. Phone: (780) 922-6779. Email: bbelland3@gmail.com. Open: daily during harvest season from 9 am to 7 pm. Directions: Approximately 30 km. Southeast of Edmonton on highway 14 to Range Road 213. We\'re on the north side of the highway. Just look for our sign \(or the orchard!\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Approximately 30 km. Southeast of Edmonton on highway 14 to Range Road 213. We're on the north side of the highway. Just look for our sign (or the orchard!) Only saskatoons are available pre-picked. All other fruit is only available as you-pick. We are no longer offering the garden produce for sale unless there is a surplus. Please ask at the farm if any vegetables are available. Please check out our website for updated information. (ADDED: March 03, 2015)
• The Berry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, currants (red and black), other berries, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, saskatoons, haskaps,
  52002 Range Road 232, Sherwood Park, AB T8B1B3. Phone: 780-918-3221. Email: theberryfarm@xplornet.com. Open: at 8:30 am on weekends. Directions: Look for a big white metal gate. Gates . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque. Call for an appointmen, We're sorry but drop in U Pick is not available. - Saturday Sunday 8:30 to Dark, May 24th to September 1stopen We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certificationCash or Cheque only. All fruit and berries are $4 per lb. by weight. Also known as (at Christie's Corner). is a tiny family farm, non-certified organic, and produces limited amounts of a range of fruits, berries, and fruit-based products. These include sea buckthorn, apples, plums, cherries (Evans, Juliette, chokecherries, and pin-cherries), currants (white, red, and black), saskatoons, honeyberries (haskap), and raspberries (purple/black, yellow, and red). Limited amounts of various jams, as well as dehydrated and frozen fruits and berries, are available for sale upon request. Prices may vary from time to time without notice. We suggest checking by email in advance for prices, availability, and other unexpected changes. (UPDATED: September 7, 2018, JBS)

 

Currants

Currants Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick currants either directly from a bush or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best currants.

Currants are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Currants picking tips

When:

• Currants are typically ripe and ready for picking in the summer months, usually from late June to early August, depending on your location and the specific variety.
• Early morning is often the best time to pick currants. The berries are less likely to be stressed by the heat of the day, and they'll be at their juiciest.
• Try to avoid picking currants when they're wet from rain or dew. Moisture can cause the berries to deteriorate quickly and become moldy.
• Currant bushes can produce berries over a period of a few weeks. Check the bushes every couple of days to pick ripe berries and prevent overripening.

How:

• Make sure your hands are clean before you start picking to avoid transferring dirt or contaminants to the berries.
• Look for currant clusters that have plump, fully-colored berries. They should be slightly translucent and have a vibrant hue. Avoid berries that are underripe or overly soft.
• Hold the currant cluster gently but firmly, and use your other hand to pick the berries. Currants are delicate, so avoid pulling or tugging forcefully, as this can damage the branches.
• Proper Technique: Pinch the stem between your thumb and forefinger, then roll your fingers to detach the berries. This helps to prevent damaging the stem or the fruit.
• Leave some space between your fingers to prevent squishing the berries while you pick. Currants are small and can be easily damaged if you're not careful.
• Ripe currants should come off the stem with minimal effort. If you find yourself having to tug hard to detach a berry, it might not be fully ripe yet.
• While picking, keep an eye out for any signs of pests like aphids or caterpillars. Remove any infested berries to prevent spreading the issue.
• Use shallow containers, baskets, or colanders to collect the berries. This helps prevent crushing them under their own weight.
• Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the currants down.
• Respect the Plant. Be mindful not to damage the plant while you're picking. Avoid breaking branches or causing unnecessary stress to the bush.

After picking:

• After picking, gently transfer the currants into shallow containers or bags. Store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible to maintain freshness. Currants can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Avoid placing the picked currants in the sunshine 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. Currants may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.
• Currants have a short shelf life compared to some other fruits, so plan to use or preserve them within a few days of picking.
Remember that the specific techniques and tips may vary slightly based on the type of currants you are picking (red, black, or white currants), so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the particular variety you're working with.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Currants are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Currants are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Currants, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Currants more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower currants. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. 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, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the currants until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Currants are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze currants! (Fresh currants are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting currants
4. Even under ideal conditions currants will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
5. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
6. Now, get ready to make Currants jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Currants preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Currants Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Currants jelly
• Currant jelly (unthickened)
• Currants festivals
• Currant  facts - useful, interesting and fun facts

Currants varieties

Here is a description of each type of currant

Red Currants:

• Small, round berries that are translucent and bright red when ripe.
• Tangy and slightly tart flavor, often used in jams, jellies, sauces, and desserts.
• Typically grow in clusters on deciduous shrubs.
• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes due to their tartness.
• Suitable for fresh consumption when fully ripe, but their intense flavor may be an acquired taste for some.

  

Black Currants:

• Small, round berries that are dark purple to black when ripe.
• Distinctly strong, sweet-tart flavor with earthy undertones.
• Often used in jams, juices, syrups, desserts, and even alcoholic beverages.
• Grow in clusters on woody shrubs with distinctive five-lobed leaves.
• High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
• Considered to have potential health benefits due to their nutritional profile.
• The strong flavor can be polarizing, and some people might find it overpowering.

 

 

White Currants:

• Similar in size and shape to red currants but are translucent to pale yellow or pink when ripe.
• Delicate and sweet with a mild, fruity flavor.
• Used in jams, jellies, preserves, and for fresh consumption, especially as a garnish.
• Grow in clusters on shrubs and are less common than red or black currants.
• Sometimes referred to as "albino currants" due to their light color.
• Lower in acidity compared to red and black currants, making them a milder option for those who prefer less tart flavors.
• Because of their light color, they can add an elegant touch to dishes and presentations.

Remember that the specific taste and uses of each type of currant can vary based on factors such as growing conditions and individual preferences..

 

 

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