2024 Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California Nectarine U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Nectarine U-Pick Orchards in Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for nectarines that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have nectarines 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

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Contra Costa County

• Bacchini's Fruit Tree - Sweet Red Cherries, White Cherries, White Peaches, Montmorency Cherries (sour), Olallieberries, Pluots, Plums, White Nectarines, Apricots, Loquats, Walnuts
  Corner of Walnut Blvd & Concord Avenue, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: 925-634-3645. Email: info@brentwoodfruit.com. Open: 8 am to 4 pm, daily - make reservations here. Directions: Located in beautiful Brentwood, California. Click here for a map and directions. is a family operated Picked and U-Pick fruit stand. We are . Just 60 miles east of San Francisco. Growing premium quality fruits since 1945. Each year we are open during May & June to offer our fresh fruit, grown in our orchard, for you to pick!! FREE Parking. Pay for what you pick (see our tips). Low trees, Ladders not needed. Fruit Stand Hours 8 am to 5 pm. No Reservations needed. No pets/animals allowed in orchard. OK to "sample" fruit but this is NOT an all you can eat farm. Lots of good stuff coming! These should be ready sometime in May and June:White Peaches: Coming in 2021Sweet Cherries: Coming in 2021White Rainier cherries: Coming in 2021Olallieberries: Coming in 2021Pluots: Coming in 2021White Nectarines: Coming in 2021Apricots: Coming in 2021Loquats: Coming in 2021Raw Honey: Coming in 2021
• Canciamilla Ranch - peaches, nectarines, and plums
  401 Eureka Avenue, Brentwood, CA . Phone: 925-634-5123. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick and picked (from about May 20). Peach varieties: Spring Gold, Springcrest, Babcock white. Nectarines: Juneglo, Fire Bright, Independence, Fantasia. Plums: Satsuma, Santa Rosa. Dried nectarines, walnuts, honey, cold drinks, and ice cream also available. Picnic area. The was established in 1982 by Leonard & Thelma Canciamilla. We are one of the smallest u-pick fruit orchards in Brentwood, but have become a popular stop for many customers.
• Farmer's Daughter Produce - Cherries, Apricots, Many Varieties of Freestone and Cling Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, White Peaches and White Nectarines.
  Walnut & Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: (925) 634-4827. Email: hailey@farmersdaughterproduce.com. Open: Daily, weekdays from 8 am to 7 pm and weekends from 8 am to 6 pm early June to August. Click here for a map and directions. . Daily, weekdays from 8 am to 7 pm and weekends from 8 am to 6 pm (early June to August). Also Picked Daily Sweet White Corn and a Wide Variety of other Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
  Comments from a visitor on July 12, 2009: "I visited Farmer's Daughter Farm in Contra Costa County - Brentwood. The fruit there is pesticide free. A fact that would likely draw many more people out to the area. I know the regulations for organic farming are quite strict but if the website indicated if certain farms were pesticide free that would certainly draw more people out to the farms and the produce."
• Lopez Ranch - cherries, peaches, plums, and nectarines
  Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA . Phone: 925-634-4433. Open: permanently closed. Click here for a map and directions.
  Lopez Ranch Facebook page. UPDATE for 2021, Yelp says they are . Daily, call for hours. U-Pick and Fresh Picked Sweet Cherries,Utah Giants, Lapin, Coral, Sweethart varieties, White Rainier Cherries, Sweet White Peaches, Freestone Peaches, Plums and Nectarines. Farm Fresh Cage-Free Eggs. Our orchard is accessable from Walnut Blvd. Take Concord Ave to Orchard Ln. Open Daily during season for fruit and Eggs available year round
• McKinney Farms, A Peachy Place - peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots,
  25221 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA . Phone: 925-634-7350. Open: call for hours. Click here for a map and directions.
  McKinney Farms, A Peachy Place Facebook page. U-pick and picked peaches (white, freestone, and cling), apricots (Blenheim and Katy), nectarines, white nectarines, and plums. Fruit stand also offers picked vegetables and melons in season, dried fruits, and refreshmentsIf you are interested in picking delicious peaches, nectarines, and apricots, then come to "A Peachy Place," farm #28 on the Harvest Time map. Our season typically runs from late May through early August.
• Mike's Upick - cherries, nectarines, peaches,
  3230 Concord Avenue, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: 925-698-7459. Email: info@mikesupick.com. Open: We usually open in early-to-mid May every year, and stay open for 4-6 weeks; Once we are open, our business hours are generally: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Directions: hwy. 580 to Vasco road to Walnut Blvd. entering Brentwood. Right on Concord Ave. to Mike\'s u-pick. Click here for a map to our farm. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. We highly recommend checking for updates just before coming out to the orchard. Occasionally we must close due to weather, or muddy fields after a late watering day, or having to wait for more of the fruit to ripenhwy. 580 to Vasco road to Walnut Blvd. entering Brentwood. Right on Concord Ave. to Mike's u-pick. Click here for a map to our farmGenerally open (during the season) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9am to 2pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm; closed on Monday and Tuesday. We have two locations, both in Brentwood. Visit the Our Produce page for maps to locate us. In general, our orchards are open for only 4-6 weeks a year, starting in May of each year. Mike's U-Pick Facebook page. White Peach end of May to beginning of June generally. White nectarines beginning of June. All depending on weather. For availability and ripeness call before 6 pm leave message. .s. Go to for dates/times. The ONLY pyo crops offered are Cherries, White peach White nectarines(UPDATED: December 29, 2023)
• Moffatt Ranch - peaches and nectarines
  1870 Walnut Blvd, Brentwood, CA . Phone: 925-634-3049. Open: Daily from July to mid-August: 8 am to 4 pm; Please call ahead for ripeness and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Bring containers. Growing tree sweet fruit since 1955. Enjoy ""Moffatt Family Sweet Peaches"" when in season at the Brentwood Farmers Market." Picked & U-Pick Freestone Peaches: Flavorcrest, Suncrest, Fay Elberta, Elegant Lady and O'Henry. Nectarines: Fantasia, Artic Jay, July Red, and Spice Zee. Asian Pears: Shinseki. Please call ahead for ripeness and availability. Bring containers. Growing tree sweet fruit since 1955. .
• Pomeroy Farms - Bing, White Rainier & Brooks Cherries, Nectarines, Peaches, Apricots
  Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA . Phone: 925-634-7712. Open: call for hours. Directions: west of Walnut Blvd. \(Vasco Rd.\). Also Bing and White Rainier Cherries on Payne Ave. east of Walnut Blvd; . Click here for a map and directions.
  Pomeroy Farms Facebook page. Phone: west of Walnut Blvd. (Vasco Rd.). Also Bing and White Rainier Cherries on Payne Ave. east of Walnut Blvd; click here for a map. Harvest starts approximately May 20 to June 15. Nectarines in June Springcrest & Flavorcrest Peaches, Patterson & Westley Apricots on the east end of Eureka Ave. May 20 to June 30. Walnuts & Walnut meats available.We offer a variety of u-pick cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots. We have 3 yellow peach varieties Flavorcrest, Springcrest, Earlirich and Galaxy "UFO" White Peaches. Come Visit to Pick Your Fresh Fruit! We offer a variety of cherries including Bing, White Rainier, and Brooks cherries. In addition, we have the best peaches, nectarines and apricots around! Pomeroy Farm Facebook page. At each of the farms we also offer fresh picked walnuts that are shelled and packaged. The walnuts also come from my various orchards.
• Rancho Zaragoza - apricots, figs, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, pluots
  1320 Walnut Blvd, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: (925) 812-2645. Email: ranchozaragosa2020@gmail.com. Open: beginning of June, call for hours, days and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Rancho Zaragoza Please come visit us! Family friendly U-Pick Farm. White & Yellow Peaches, Apricots, Pluots, White & Yellow Nectarines, Figs, Asian Pears, Plums, Onions & Honey. We provide a bucket to pick with and box it up for you to take home. Trees are low enough to pick from without ladders. Best to call for weekly updates. Please come visit us! (UPDATED: May 15, 2017, JBS) (ADDED: April 29, 2015, JBS)
• Three Nunns Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, flowers, melons, nectarines, other berries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm
  550 Walnut Blvd, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: (925) 550-1484. Email: Threenunnsfarm@gmail.com. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Three Nunns Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (925) 550-0780. ^ Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesWe use natural practices, but are not yet certified OrganicFormerly called George's Roadside Berry Farm. (UPDATED: April 22, 2020) Another list of farms and farm stands in this area (not necessarily PYO)

 

Nectarine

Nectarine Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Nectarines typically peak during early summer: In the U.S., that's late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local Nectarines, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of nectarines for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Nectarines are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) 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 nectarines, 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 Nectarines more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
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.
5. You might want to ask whether the nectarines are! There are two major types of nectarines: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone nectarines and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most nectarine varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions nectarines will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Nectarine jam or canned nectarines - It is VERY easy - especially with our free peach / nectarine recipes. Yes, they are interchangeable!
    - nectarine jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned nectarines from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze nectarines instead!
   - make your own home canned nectarine pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy nectarine pie recipe
   or nectarine-blueberry pie  or how about
   - nectarine salsa?
   - Nectarine chutney
   - Spiced nectarines
   - nectarine butter
   - Nectarine honey
   - pickled nectarines
   - nectarine syrup
   - nectarine juice
6. Here are some great and easy nectarine desert recipes, like easy nectarine cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe nectarines have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Nectarines should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33F to 40F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the nectarines are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Nectarines are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Nectarines will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a nectarine is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your nectarines very firm, pick your nectarines with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Nectarines at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Nectarines won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Nectarines

A nectarine is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a nectarine gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the nectarine firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the nectarine into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Nectarines: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the nectarine. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the nectarines if the nectarines were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the nectarine. There's nothing wrong with these nectarines. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free nectarines, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium nectarines = 1 cup sliced nectarines.
• About 4 medium nectarines = 1 cup pureed nectarine.
• About 3 medium nectarines = 1 pound of nectarines

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh nectarines yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh nectarines typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced nectarines or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned nectarines.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh nectarines are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 nectarines makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 nectarines make about 2 cups puree. 1 nectarine equals about 1 cup puree.

Nectarines - Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent, Most recent data (2020)

Form	Average retail price *3		Preparation yield factor	Size of a cup equivalent	Unit	Average price per cup equivalent
Fresh *1	$1.72	per pound	0.96	0.342	pounds	$0.61
Canned
Packed in juice *2	$2.02	per pound	1	0.540	pounds	$1.09
Packed in syrup or water *3	$1.81	per pound	0.65	0.441	pounds	$1.23
Frozen	$3.39	per pound	1	0.331	pounds	$1.12
Note 1 - The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) reports that the inedible pit of a nectarine accounts for 4 percent of the retail weight, implying a preparation yield of 96 percent, when eaten raw.
Note 2 - Consumers are assumed to eat the solid fruit and drink the juice. All contents of the can are edible and count towards an individual's recommended fruit consumption.
Note 3 - The syrup (or water) is discarded prior to consumption. Based on the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED), ERS assumes that 65 percent of the can's gross weight is solid and 35 percent is liquid. The FPED cup equivalent weight for canned fruit is the weight of the solids and not of the liquid medium in which it is packed. The preparation yield factor for canned nectarines in the above table does not account for any further preparation that occurs prior to consumption.
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service calculations from 2020 Circana (formerly Information Resources, Inc. [IRI]) OmniMarket Core Outlets (formerly InfoScan) data; the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), Legacy Release; and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED) 2017–18 as well as the FPED's accompanying Methodology and User Guide.

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Nectarine pit tips

It's best to remove nectarine pits before you cook the nectarines. Cherry, nectarine, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, nectarine, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

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