Spring means U-Pick season is back across our local backroads. From the sweetest cherries to the juiciest strawberries, U-Pick season is a fruit lover’s dream in Brentwood and East Contra Costa County. As you explore the outskirts of Brentwood, CA, you’ll discover dozens of orchards and family farms offering the U-Pick experience. It gives you the chance to pick fruit straight from the tree at peak ripeness. This year promises one of the best harvests in nearly a decade thanks to a cool winter and rainy spring that extended pollination and provided plenty of moisture for the trees. The result? Sweet, juicy fruit ready for the picking!
Tips for U-Pick
- Start with Harvest Time Brentwood: Visit HarvestForYou.com to plan your visit. The website provides detailed information on:
- Which farms are open
- Hours of operation
- Driving directions
- Available fruits and vegetables
- U-Pick vs. pre-picked availability
- Special events and more
- Arrive early: Beat the heat by starting your day as early as possible. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and first pick of the day’s fruit.
- Watch your children and avoid climbing: U-Pick orchards are working farms with potential hazards. Keep a close eye on children and avoid climbing trees for safety reasons.
- Ask before picnicking: While a picnic sounds fun, not all farms allow it. Some have designated picnic areas, but always check with farm staff first.
- Be respectful: These are family-run farms and often part of someone’s home. Follow posted rules and take all litter with you to help keep the farms clean and welcoming.
Tricks for U-Pick
- Look for the best fruit: Choose fruit with bold, rich color. For cherries, look for dark red tones. Yellow or pale cherries usually need more time to ripen. Only pick what you’re ready to purchase.
- Keep stems attached: Leaving stems on helps cherries stay fresher longer once you bring them home.
- Bring a cooler: Pack a cooler with ice for your trip to keep fruit fresh on the ride home. Your berries will stay as perfect as they were when picked.
- Dress appropriately: Wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing. Farms have uneven ground, irrigation, and plenty of dirt. Be prepared for a little mud and mess.
- Bring an extra pair of shoes: Irrigated orchards can get muddy. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty while picking, and bring clean shoes (plus a plastic bag) for the drive home.
U-Pick season offers the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while treating yourself to some of the freshest produce Northern California has to offer. Spend the day with friends and family, picking sweet cherries, juicy berries, and vibrant stone fruits while supporting our local farms. As U-Pick season kicks off, make sure to explore your local backroads and enjoy everything our local orchards have to offer!
