2024 Tucson and Surrounding Counties in Arizona Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Tucson and Surrounding Counties in Arizona 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.

Cochise County

• Apple Annie's Orchard Farm - PYO - PYO apples, pears, peaches, beans, peas, crowder peas, black eyed peas, 4 or 5 kinds of summer squash, cucumbers, sweet peppers(2 or 3 kinds), tomatoes, roma tomatoes, hot peppers, chilis, jalapenos, broccoli, red cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, okra
  2081 W. Hardy Road, Willcox, AZ 85643. Phone: 520-384-2084. Email: apples@appleannies.com. Open: daily from 8 am to 5:30 pm, mid-July to late November; November hours: 10 am to 4:30 PM. Click here for a map and directions. . Directions off Ft. Grant Road, Willcox, Arizona. Closing for the season in late November. Peaches from July through mid-September; Apples from August 1st through November 23rd and Pears from August 1st through mid-October.
• Apple Annie's Produce and Pumpkins - PYO beans, peas, crowder peas, black eyed peas, 4 or 5 kinds of summer squash, cucumbers, sweet peppers(2 or 3 kinds), tomatoes, roma tomatoes, hot peppers, chilis, jalapenos, broccoli, red cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, okra, pumpkins and hayrides.
  6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox, AZ 85643. Phone: 520-384-2084. Email: apples@appleannies.com. Open: Daily 7 am to 5:30 pm, July 2nd through November 2nd. Click here for a map and directions. . . (formerly Hunsdon Farms) . Apple Annie's a beautiful family-owned fruit orchard north of Willcox, Arizona, in the southeastern corner of the state. The 4300' elevation with warm days and cool nights make Willcox the premier you-pick fruit and vegetable growing area in Arizona. Apple Annie's Orchard specializes in delicious, tree-ripened fruit, pies and other treats "just like home-baked", apple cider, and good, old-fashioned family fun!
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2016: "I go every week and it has been a great season. They are nice people with a beautiful farm and orchard. I am having butternut squash and sliced tomatoes from Apple Annies tonight. They also have a great selection of canned goodies! upick included beans, peas, crowder peas, black eyed peas, 4 or 5 kinds of summer squash, cucumbers, sweet peppers(2 or 3 kinds), tomatoes, roma tomatoes, hot peppers, chilis, jalapenos, broccoli, red cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, okra. They picked, cantalope, watermelon, sweet corn, a lot of varieties of winter squash, pumpkins and gourds. At the orchard they have upick apples, peaches etc. And a lot of home made canned goodies. They also do hayride and pumpkin pickin. They have a lot of festivals in the summer and fall. I think they do a great job." Another visitor writes: "They have a gazillion types of apples, peaches and Asian pears ready for picking. Wagons are available for you to ride into the specific orchards or you can walk. This is also the place for the apple-smoked burgers and fresh apple pie a la mode to die for."

Graham County

• Narita Farms - beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, melons, onions, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables
  6965 S. Narita Lane, Willcox, AZ 85643. Phone: 520-384-4805. Email: hsnrs@vtc.net. Open: May. Directions: Take Hwy 186 to Kansas Settlement Road; head south to Arzberger; turn east on Arzberger to Narita Lane. . Click here for a map and directions. . . Click here for a map to our farm. We are open Our hours are: Daily from dawn to dusk Peas, May; strawberries, April; beans, August; corn, Sept.; onions, Sept; squash, June; carrots, Sept; eggplant, Sept; melons, Sept; peppers, Sept; tomatoes, September We sell brown eggs. We sell goat's milk for pet use only.

Santa Cruz County

• Agua Linda Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beans, cucumbers, flowers, peas, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes,
  262643 East Frontage Road I-19, Exit 42, Amado, AZ 85645. Phone: 520-891-5532. Email: stewart@agualindafarm.net. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Take Interstate 19 to Exit 42, get onto the East Frontage Road and turn right. This will turn into a dirt road which is our driveway. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Frontage Road I-19, Exit 42, Amado, AZ 85645. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Fall Festival, weekends in October; See website for a complete calendar with times, dates and prices; Garlic and Onion Festival is in June, see website for updates; The farm store is open year round, Saturdays 9 to 3 and Sundays 12 pm to 3; Call information line for current crops. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. The Farm is also a popular site for weddings and private parties (see November 18 New York Times).

 

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