When I told Heather that we went mulberry picking, she said that she thought mulberries were a fairytale invention in the song “Here we go ’round the mulberry bush”. Nope. You can pick ’em and eat ’em.
In Brentwood, CA, in the region that is home to dozens of cherry orchards, strawberry farms, and other spots that invite folks to pick their own seasonal produce, there is a mulberry farm called Very Mulberry.
My husband and I took our 5-year-old niece on a Brentwood farm hop, starting with mulberries, then cherries, and finally flowers.
An adorable purple train can take you deeper into the orchards for an extra fee. We didn’t see it upon arrival because it was on an outbound run when we entered, so we walked ourselves into the aisles of trees, following the guidance of signs and staffers. When we left, the line for the train was quite long, so you can decide to wait or skip it.
You pay an admission fee, which includes access to the picking tools (two per family) and a cardboard flat with plastic containers to store the mulberries you pick. You are free to eat some, too!
Using the picking tool was intuitive and a perfect challenge for a 5-year-old without being frustrating. It was also easy for her to tell which berries were ripe because of their distinct dark purple color and how easily they fell off the tree into the cup.
Here’s what to know:
- Mulberry season is roughly May through mid-June, but it is always dependent on the weather.
- This is the only spot to pick mulberries, so it’s quite popular. Go early in the day for fewer crowds.
- There is a free parking lot and a “VIP” lot that is closer and costs $10. The reason you might pay for parking is that you do have to walk a ways to get into the trees, and if you are trying to minimize walking for little legs, you can consider the paid lot. My husband did not think the closer lot was legitimately closer and laughed at me for paying.
- Wear closed-toed shoes that can be wiped down, as you will be walking on dirt that is also covered with overripe mulberries. Our shoes collected purple stains around the edges before we left. Crocs are a good bet for kids.
- It can be very very hot in Brentwood, which is why I wanted to minimize walking. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water. Leave a cooler with ice in your car so you can keep your mulberries cool for the ride home.
Plan your visit to Very Mulberry
Address: 501 Hoffman Lane, Brentwood
Tickets: $8 per person, does not include the price of the mulberries when you check out at the end of the experience. Walk in or make reservations here and show your QR code to enter.
Hours: Closed on Mondays, but otherwise open 8 am to 6 pm.
