Berry Picking
at Amber Oaks

By Lisa Thibodeau

Kids can pick large, thornless blackberries by the basket or flat throughout August.

We Northern Californians are a lucky bunch. We’re surrounded
by so many great fruit stands, farmers’ markets and working
farms, where the freshest, juiciest, most succulent crops are ours
for the plucking. Produce picked and eaten the same day is a rare
treat, and tasting a local berry warm from the sun and oozing its
sweet juices is a summer pleasure not to be missed.

Amber Oaks is a family-owned farm located in Auburn, a 40-mile jaunt up Hwy 80 from Sacramento. Their dark, plump blackberries are especially well suited for children—big enough for little fingers to easily grasp, abundant within even the smallest toddler’s reach, and thornless (ensuring nobody gets an unexpected poke). Best of all, their berries are grown without the use of pesticides (though not certified organic), according to owner Tim Boughton.

Getting There: From Sacramento, take Hwy 80 East Exit Hwy 49, turning left Turn left on Atwood Road Turn left onto Shanley

Tim and Rhonda Boughton have three children of their own and have been farming in Auburn for twenty years. They are very accommodating to families and moms’ groups, providing clean restrooms, boxes that strap to your waist to make picking easier and plenty of room for kids to explore the farm. The Boughtons’ farm has an easygoing vibe. A sign reads, “It’s okay to sample the berries, but please don’t just sample and then drive home.” Not a problem, since you will want to fill your trunk with these delicious jewels, which are ripe for picking throughout August but often disappear before the middle of September.

When you go, just make sure the kids are not wearing their “good” clothes, and bring a relaxed attitude, so you can savor the sight of their purple-stained fingers and mouths. Remember to bring sunscreen, water and hats then turn the kids loose to roam the fertile grounds, including wild berry bushes and the tidy rows inside the pumpkin patch. Amber Oaks is open for “u-picking” Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Being a very small operation, the Boughtons kindly ask that you call ahead when you plan to visit, so they can be on hand to let you know what is good for picking on that particular day. Berries are sold by the basket or by the flat, and Rhonda’s tempting homemade jam and frozen berries are often available for purchase too.

Growing over 100 items, including raspberries (red and golden), rhubarb, tomatoes, pumpkins, figs, blueberries, kiwi and even chestnuts (for actual roasting over an open fire!), the Boughtons strive to offer quality farm-fresh produce year-round. Many local families have made it a tradition to pick their favorites then return home to make pies, heirloom jams and homemade ice cream. The unwashed berries freeze well too, giving everyone the perfect excuse to pick to their heart’s content, and come winter, you can add berries to the kids’ breakfast yogurt or top their buckwheat pancakes with sweet summer treasures. Lucky indeed!

Amber Oaks Farm is located at 2770 Shanley Road in Auburn.
(530) 885-3420. customer.service@amberberries.com.