2024 Seattle-Snohomish area of Washington State Currant U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Currant U-Pick Orchards in Seattle-Snohomish area of Washington State 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 any state, nor even every state, 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.

Snohomish County

• Bryant Blueberry Farm & Nursery, LLC - follow organic methods, blueberries, Currants, Tayberries, Blackberries, Loganberries, Boysenberries, Raspberries and Aronia berries. and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  5628 Grandview Road, Arlington, WA 98223. Phone: (360) 474-8424. Email: leslie@bryantblueberries.com. Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 4pm. Directions: Travel on Interstate 5. Take Exit # 208, Arlington-Darrington. Turn East onto Highway 530. Travel 4.5 miles to first stoplight. Take left at stoplight. This is Highway 9, North. Travel 3.3 miles. Turn right on Grandview Road. Travel .25 mile, turn right into Bryant Blueberry Farm driveway. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Bryant Blueberry Farm & Nursery, LLC Facebook page. . Fax: (360) 474-0210. . Crops are usually available in July, August. Blueberries: July 12 to August 17th. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. In addition to Blueberries, we have Currants, Tayberries, Blackberries, Loganberries, Boysenberries, Raspberries and Aronia berries. New this year, we will have vegetables available for U-Pick.
• Donnellys Riverbank Blueberries - Certified Naturally Grown, blueberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), winter squash, other vegetables, restrooms
  11827 Reiner Road, Monroe, WA 98272. Phone: 360-793-2114. Email: donnelly1@frontier.com. Open: Seven days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm; June 15th to October 15th. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Donnellys Riverbank Blueberries . Traveling East on Highway 2 depart Monroe and travel approximately 5 miles to a highway stop light. Turn left onto Old Owen Road Not the Old Owen Road in Monroe!. Go up a hill 0.3 miles to Reiner Road (you will see our sign) and turn Right. Travel exactly 2.0 miles to the sign at the entry to our farm and turn right to our parking area. June 15; 10 varieties Garlic and Red and Black Currants; July 10 to August 15; 3 varieties Blueberries; Late July to mid September Supersweet Bicolor corn; Late July to mid September Zucchini, Crookneck and Zuchino Squash; Late July to late August pickling cucumbers and dill; Mid September to mid October Asian Pears; Late September to mid October Winter Squash;. We invite you to call or email before coming. We check our answering machine and emil frequently as well as leave an updated message on the answering machine when products are available. If calling please speak clearly and Slowly with your return phone number or we may not be able to return your call. We've been in operation for 29 years and everything is grown by the Organic Standards. We are Certified Naturaly Grown and members of Seattle Tilth. In operation since 1989, our farm is "Certified Naturally Grown" under organic standards. Flushing restroom in parking area. Picking buckets provided. Boxes and bags for taking home fruit and produce provided free of charge. (UPDATED: May 19, 2016)
• Raising Cane Ranch - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blackberries, currants (black), pears, tayberries, Aronia berries, Chestnuts, and Hazelnuts, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food
  5719 Riverview Road, Snohomish, WA 98290. Phone: (206) 617-4094. Email: info@raisingcaneranch.com. Open: See our website, Facebook page, or Instagram for current hours. Directions: From Highway 9 take Riverview RoadSnohomish exit and head west for approximately three miles. We are on the right. From I-5 take Highway 2 Wenatchee exit and take first exit on Homeacres road. Take right at second stop sign at bottom of ramp. In five miles take right onto Swans Slough Road. We are approximately 1.5 miles from turn on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, ApplePay, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Raising Cane Ranch Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From Highway 9 take Riverview Road/Snohomish exit and head west for approximately three miles. We are on the right. From I-5 take Highway 2 Wenatchee exit and take first exit on Homeacres road. Take right at second stop sign at bottom of ramp. In five miles take right onto Swans Slough Road. We are approximately 1.5 miles from turn on left. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. (UPDATED: August 16, 2022)
• Skipley Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, currants (red and black), gooseberries, grapes, Jostaberies, pears, plums, saskatoons, strawberries, Gooseberries, black currants, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  7228 Skipley Road, Snohomish, WA 98290. Phone: 206-679-6576. Email: gil@skipleyfarm.com. Open: Mondays 8am to 8 pm from June to October; see website for available produce and updates. Directions: I-5 to US 2 East 3mi to BickfordSnohomish, 12 mi to 83rd, 12 mi to 52ndSkipley go right, down hill, 12 mi on Left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Fax: 425-789-1578. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. I-5 to US 2 East 3mi to Bickford/Snohomish, 1/2 mi to 83rd, 1/2 mi to 52nd/Skipley go right, down hill, 1/2 mi on Left. Strawberries mid June Blueberries, jostaberries, currants, gooseberries Mid august Apples mid October. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Again, we EXCEED organic certifiers, even Certified Naturally Grown. We love our bees and butterflies! Spinosad and BT mean death to these sentient and very important insects. Check us out, visit the farm, see what a Holistic Farm runs on. Organic upick fruit, berries and edible plant nursery, scionwood, grafted trees. Near Seattle in Snohomish, PYO apples, blueberries, grapes, berries, currants, more

 

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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