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Pepper U-Pick farms in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties in California in 2024, by county

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

Lake County

  • Frontier Farm Co. - Uses natural growing practices, carrots, eggplant, herbs or spices, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes,
    18525 S. State highway 29, Middletown, CA 95461. Phone: 707-355-1001. Email: kecia@frontierfarmco.com. Open: Seasonally July thru November Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    Frontier Farm Co. Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 707-987-6900. . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Fresh, Local and Sustainable from Our Garden to Your Table. We grow our vegetables using organic methods and allowing nature to do its job. Through crop rotation and diversification we interrupt the life-cycles of soil borne diseases and encourage healthier crop production. To keep our pest populations low, we encourage predatory insects to make our garden their home by planting beneficial plants in our habitat gardens. Adequate pollination is accomplished by attracting bees using bee-loving plants such as lavender, rosemary and nepeta, oh and of course the blossoms from our fruit trees and vegetable plants.(UPDATED: May 07, 2018, JBS)

Sacramento County

  • R Kelley Farms - Black-Eyes, Purple Hulls, Crowder peas, Green Beans, Italian Beans, Sweet Peas, Speckled Butter Beans, Cranberry Beans, Okra, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Onions, Bell Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Hot Hot Peppers, Squash, Cucumbers
    1120 Scribner Road, Sacramento, CA 95832. Phone: 916-665-1191. Email: fresh@rkelleyfarms.com. Open: July through October Wednesday through Sunday 8am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . . See their website for availability and prices for u-pick. Our services include u-pick, we-pick; farm fresh eggs plus pea shelling and delivery. The farm specializes in growing black-eye, purple hull, crowder peas. We also offer green beans, speckled butter beans, garbanzo beans and cranberry beans. To compliment the fresh peas and beans, the farm has a variety of other items. This list includes tomatoes, okra, sweet corn, peppers, squash, cucumbers, yams, onions, winter greens and several types of sweet melons.
    Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2009: "They had everything.I counter about 7 different melons from casaba to savors to a yellow meat watermelon--they have black eye peas, purple hull peas, okra, squash, and the biggest onions in the world, and some beautiful purple bell peppers( never seen those before).the watermelon is to die for and I eat a passport melon(something new)on the way home. I was there on Sunday and they had Live Jazz on the farm. They said they do tours for kids and community groups. They had an employee restroom that they let me used, which was very clean. There is a nice pinic area with a manicured lawn, with BBQ pit access. This is not an organic farm however the farm said he only sprays when he has too. The crops look amazing you can but your items already picked and shelled or pick your own. Personally, I got a bag of shelled black eyes for $13.50 for 5lbs my mother was impressed. I was able to lie and say I picked them myself.I loved the veggies and people. From the diverse staff to the multi-cultural customers, I did not want to leave so they told me to go hang out on the lawn and eat my melons, so I did with the Jazz."
    Comments from a visitor on July 22, 2009: "Very sweet and a variety of melons. Very fresh produce and unique varieties. They specialize in fresh southern peas. Very friendly. They have restroom and a picnic area. You can schedule a tour. The owner is a Certified Crop Advisor and will conduct the tour. He also is a mentor for young adults. ( 10 yrs---18 yrs old) "

Solano County

  • Erickson's Ranch - U-pick tomatoes, peppers, herbs, watermelon, pumpkins and flowers.
    2482 Cordelia Road, Suisun Valley, CA 94534. Phone: (707) 864-0557. Email: info@ericksonranch.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm; Season: June through November. Click here for a map and directions. . The season starts in late June with Blenheim apricots and Dahlias. They have over 20 varieties of peaches & nectarines. They are affiliated with Suisun Valley Growers and they have Fun Family Farm Days in August, September and October and a wonderful field of you pick pumpkins each fall. (UPDATED: May 07, 2018, JBS)
  • Larry's Produce - tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, eggplants, hot chili peppers, peppers
    4606 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, CA 94534. Phone: 707-864-8068. Open: 9 am to 5 pm daily. Click here for a map and directions. . Their farmer's market offers local peaches, apricots, plums, pears, sweet corn, melons and much more. In October, they have a pumpkin patch, hay maze, and the have Christmas trees in December. Larry's offers local peaches, apricots, plums, pears, sweet corn, melons and much more. U-Pick crops available including tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, eggplants, hot chiles, peppers..you will find everything you need at Larry's. (UPDATED: May 07, 2018, JBS)

Yolo County (Sacramento area)

  • Loving Nature Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    38883 Z Line Road, Clarksburg, CA 95612. Phone: 916-899-1154. Email: michaelwong250@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, all year round. Directions: On Jefferson Blvd heading south, make a right on Hamilton Road, at the end of Hamilton Road make a left on Z Line Road, go 0.4 mile and arrive at the first house on your left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Loving Nature Farm . All year round for a wide selection of U-pick seasonal fruit and vegetables. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We can grow a wide variety of all-natural vegetables on demand, lease small plots to those who are interested in growing organic food for themselves. We welcome all kinds of activities and functions by prior arrangements. We also deliver CSA boxes to homes and offices. (UPDATED: May 28, 2018, JBS)

 

Feedback

Pepper Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

a variety of peppersThere are various types of peppers based on their characteristics. It's important to note that pepper heat levels can vary, and individual tolerance to spiciness may differ. When using hot peppers, exercise caution and consider using gloves or washing hands thoroughly to avoid skin or eye irritation.

  • Sweet Peppers - like Bell Peppers and Banana Pepper , used in salads and sandwiches
  • Mild to Medium Heat Peppers - spicy, good for salsa.
  • Hot Peppers - Often used in Mexican and Thais foods
  • Very Hot Peppers - For crazy people...

See the table at the bottom of his page for detailed information and a master list of varieties.

When are peppers available?

Peppers are a hot weather crop, and cannot tolerate frost and cold soil. In the U.S. Peppers typically peak hot summer months into the Autumn.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

  1. Always call before you go to the farm - it's hard to pick in a muddy field!
  2. Most growers furnish picking containers (bags), but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
  3. 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 while the weather is still cool, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Peppers from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Pickled Peppers

Look for Peppers that are :

  1. firm
  2. Bright and shiny
  3. smooth, shiny pods, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out
  4. Avoid placing the picked Peppers in the sunlight 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. I prefer to bring a cooler with ice in it. Peppers may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a week or 2.

When you get home

  1. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
  2. Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra Peppers - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.

 


Name Heat Photo Description Best uses
Bell Pepper Sweet red sweet peppers Large, blocky peppers with a mild, sweet flavor. They come in different colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange.  Salads and sandwichs They also add sweetness and color to cooked dishes, stir-fries, and stuffed pepper recipes.
Banana Pepper Sweet Banana peppers Long and tapered, they have a mild to moderate heat level and a tangy-sweet flavor.  Salads, subs and sandwiches  Frequently used in pickled form, they add tang and crunch to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. They can also be stuffed or sliced for various culinary applications.
Cubanelle Pepper Sweet   Light green and elongated, they have a mild heat and a slightly sweet taste.  
Pimento Pepper Sweet   Large and heart-shaped, they have a sweet and fruity flavor, often used for stuffing. Cooking
Poblano Pepper Medium Poblano Pepper Dark green, heart-shaped peppers with a mild to medium heat level and a slightly smoky flavor. Frequently used in Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos, mole sauce, and salsas. They can be roasted, stuffed, or sliced and added to various recipes.
Shishito Pepper     Small and thin-walled pepper with a mild and slightly sweet taste. Popular in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed blistered or charred as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be used in stir-fries, tempura, or stuffed with cheese or other fillings.
Anaheim Pepper Medium   Mild to medium heat, with a long and narrow shape. They are often used in Southwestern cuisine. Commonly used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes. They are great for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salsas, chilis, and stews.
Hungarian Wax Pepper Medium   Medium heat peppers that come in various colors. They have a waxy texture and a tangy flavor.  
Chili peppers Medium     Used in making... wait for it... Chili
Cherry Pepper . Medium   Small and round, they have a mild to medium heat level and are often used pickled or stuffed Thai and other Asian cooking
Jalapeño Pepper Hot Peppers Jalopeno Medium heat level with a distinctive bright green color and a slightly smoky flavor. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They add a spicy kick to salsas, guacamole, nachos, and are often used for stuffing or pickling.
Arbol peppers Hot Peppers Arbol peppers    
Serrano Pepper Hot Peppers   Hotter than jalapeños, they have a bright green color and a spicy taste. Commonly used in salsas and sauces. Adds a spicy heat to salsas, pico de gallo, hot sauces, and other Mexican dishes. They can also be pickled or used to infuse flavor into oils and vinegars.
Cayenne Pepper Hot Peppers   Thin and elongated, they are known for their fiery heat. Often used in powdered form as a spice. Often used in powdered form as a spice for adding heat to various dishes. It can be sprinkled over pizzas, used in sauces, or added to spice rubs for grilling or roasting meats.
Thai Bird's Eye Pepper Hot Peppers   Small and slender, they pack a powerful heat punch. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. They are perfect for adding heat and flavor to stir-fries, curries, soups, and dipping sauces.
Habanero Pepper Very hot   One of the hottest peppers, with a fruity flavor and intense heat. Use with caution. Adds intense spiciness to salsas, hot sauces, marinades, and jerk recipes. Use with caution and in small amounts due to its high heat level.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Very hot   Similar to habaneros, they have a tropical fruity flavor and fiery heat. Commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
Carolina Reaper Very hot   One of the hottest peppers in the world, known for its extreme heat. Handle with extreme caution.  
         
         


 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)