2024 Far Northwest Oregon Eggplant U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Far Northwest Oregon in 2024, by county

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

Washington County

• Dairy Creek Farm and Produce - Uses natural growing practices, beans, blackberries, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  23295 NW highway 47, Buxton, OR 97109. Phone: 503 324 7819. Email: dd@dairycreekfarm.com. Open: 10 am to 6:45 pm daily. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 503 970 4739. Fax: 503 324 0525. . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Dairy Creek Farm & Produce is a small family farm near Banks, Oregon. We grow fruits, vegetables and herbs using natural organic practices for our local community distributing through a produce stand at our farm along with local community farmer's markets. Additionally, we have an apairy providing us with a supply of local honey and all the other products we create from what we grow and the bees supply. natural 100% raw honey to our patorns. We currently have two honey options based on where the hives were placed either in clover or blackberry fields because the bees main food source has an effect on the color and flavor of the honey. (UPDATED: May 16, 2018, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on November 09, 2010: "We visited the Dairy Creek Farm and had a WONDERFUL experience. My husband enjoyed chatting with the very friendly farmer and his young sons while I picked bushels of gorgeous chemical-free tomatoes of all types. We also came away with a ton of winter squash, all for a twenty dollar bill. What a generous family and they allowed us to have our dog with us on a leash too. A bonus is that the farm is located in a beautiful area. We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking the Vernonia-Banks trail. Wish we'd found them sooner in the season! Thanks for your wonderful site and for connecting us with these great folks. Looking forward to next harvest season!!"
• Duyck's Peachy-Pig Farm - pumpkins in patch, apples, apricots, asparagus, beans, blackberries, blueberries, blackcaps, Chehalems, loganberries, marionberries, raspberries, strawberries, youngberries, cherries, cukes (reg & lemon), corn, dill, eggplant, figs, filberts, garlic, grapes, honey, onions, (reg & Walla Walla), peaches, pears, peppers (Bell & hot), prunes, plums, pumpkins, rabbits, rhubarb, tours, tomatoes, walnuts, weaner pigs, grapes & golf balls.
  34840 SW Johnson School Road, Cornelius, OR 97113. Phone: 503-357-3570. Email: duycks@coho.net. Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Sunday from 12noon to 6pm, and closed all day on Monday. Directions: 4 mile S of Hillsboro on Hwy 219. R on Simpson Road R on Johnson Sch. Road go 3 miles or take 10th St. out of Cornelius 3 miles L at golf course, R on Johnson School Road 1 mile. Usually available: May- December. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick & we pick. Bring containers, children & food stamps welcome. See & touch animals. Tours: Schools, birthday parties, pumpkins in patch, etc. May thru Oct. Picnic area, panoramic view, natural well water. Custom filbert harvesting. (sometimes misspelled "Duyuck" or "Dyuck" or "Duyk")Note: If you've visited the farm, please give me your feedback!A visitor writes on May 12, 2016: (positive) "My friends and I met here for a play date with our children last season. It was a wonderful experience, and I plan to go back this summer. We bought peaches, picked blackberries and raspberries, many different varieties. The children helped at first, then decided to go play around on all the different fun playground equipment they had around the farm. A highlight for my kiddos were the animals. They fed the horses, squealed in delight at all the chickens, and absolutely loved the pigs. There were some adorable little baby piggies when we came. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and you could spend a whole day here without feeling bored."

 

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Eggplants: Picking, Varieties, Descriptions and Recipes

Most people are familiar with the large roundish dark purple/black eggplant used in making Eggplant Parmesan. But there are many other varieties with many uses. Here's what you need to know about eggplants, how to choose them, how to harvest them and how to use them!

Know when to harvest eggplant:

•  Size and Color: Most eggplant varieties are typically harvested when they reach a mature size and have developed a deep, glossy color. The skin should be uniformly colored, whether it's purple, green, or white, depending on the variety.
•  Texture: Gently press your finger against the eggplant's skin. Ripe eggplants should feel firm but slightly yield to pressure. Avoid eggplants that have soft spots or are overly mushy.
•  Shiny Skin: Ripe eggplants have a shiny appearance, indicating that they are ready for harvest.

How to harvest eggplants

•  Tools: To harvest eggplants, you'll need a pair of sharp garden shears or a knife.
•  Stems: Look for the stem attached to the eggplant. It should be firm and green. Avoid harvesting eggplants with dry or withered stems.
•  Cutting: Hold the eggplant near the stem and carefully cut it off using the shears or a knife. Leave a short portion of the stem attached to the fruit. Make sure not to damage the eggplant or nearby foliage during the process.
•   Sharp parts: watch out for the pointy edges at the base of the stem.  They are SHARP!
•  Quantity: Harvest one eggplant at a time, or if you have multiple ripe fruits, you can harvest them in a single session.

Storing eggplant

• Handling: Handle harvested eggplants with care to avoid bruising or damage. Place them gently in a basket or container to prevent them from being squished or bumped around.
• Storage: If you're not using the eggplants immediately, store them in a cool, dry place, such as the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, but usually no longer, when properly stored. Avoid washing the eggplants before storing, as moisture can promote spoilage.
• Culinary uses: Once harvested, the eggplants are ready to be enjoyed in various recipes. From grilling and roasting to stir-fries and bakes, there are numerous delicious dishes to explore with freshly harvested eggplants.

Remember, it's essential to harvest eggplants at the right time to ensure optimal flavor and texture. By paying attention to the size, color, texture, and stem condition, you can confidently harvest ripe and flavorful eggplants for your culinary delights.

Varieties and Types of Eggplant

The most common types of eggplants and their uses are:

1.  Globe Eggplant: The globe eggplant is the most common variety and is known for its large, round shape and glossy purple skin. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Globe eggplants are versatile and can be used in various dishes, including stews, curries, stir-fries, and grilled preparations.
   
   
2. Japanese Eggplant: Japanese eggplants are long and slender with dark purple skin and a tender, delicate flavor. They have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste compared to the globe variety. Japanese eggplants are perfect for stir-fries, tempura, roasting, or grilling. Due to their thin skin, they cook quickly and can be used in recipes that require less cooking time.
    
   
3.  Italian Eggplant: Also known as the "baby eggplant" or "aubergine," Italian eggplants are small-sized with deep purple skin and a rich, slightly bitter taste. They have a firm texture and hold their shape well when cooked, making them ideal for grilling, roasting, or stuffing. They are commonly used in Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille, caponata, or eggplant Parmesan.
    
   
4. Thai Eggplant: Thai eggplants come in various colors and sizes, including green, white, or striped varieties. They are small and round, similar to cherry tomatoes. Thai eggplants have a slightly bitter taste and firm texture. They are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in curries, stir-fries, and spicy salads.
    
5. Indian Eggplant: Indian eggplants, also known as "brinjals" or "baingan," have a small to medium size and come in different shapes and colors, such as round, elongated, or striped varieties. They have a slightly bitter taste and a dense, meaty texture. Indian eggplants are frequently used in traditional Indian recipes like baingan bharta (roasted and mashed eggplant), curries, pickles, or stuffed dishes.
    
6.  White Eggplant: White eggplants have a unique appearance with creamy white skin. They are similar in shape and size to the globe variety but have a slightly milder taste. White eggplants are often used in dishes where their color stands out, such as stir-fries, casseroles, or salads. They can also be grilled or baked for a subtle and elegant presentation.
   

 

 

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