2024 Montgomery and southeastern Alabama Eggplant U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Montgomery and southeastern Alabama in 2024, by county

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

Geneva County

• Aplin Farms - strawberries(u-pick and pre-picked)and peaches, broad beans, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, figs, flowers, onions, peas, pecans , peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, and prepicked produce, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  2729 N Co Rd 49 , Dothan, AL 36305. Phone: 334-726-5104. Email: japlin4863@gmail.com. Open: Daily. Directions: From Dothan take Hwy 84W about 5.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 49. Go about 5.6 miles on Co Rd 49. The Farm will be on the right. Co Rd 49 is also known as South Bay Springs Road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Call for Hay Ride Times. Groups can make reservation Monday through Friday. Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch are open the Month of October. All other crops are available from May to October. Call for availability. Also operates greenhouse; we sell: Ferns, hanging baskets, & many other types of plant in the spring and Mums in the fall. (UPDATED: October 20, 2020 JBS)

Henry County

• Bretts Garden - Uses natural growing practices, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, melons, onions, other berries, peas, pecans , peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, picnic area you may bring your own food
  2030 County Road 29, Abbeville, AL 36310. Phone: 561-718-1502. Email: orders@brettsgarden.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Upick from 8 am to 3 pm on weekends only , Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 3 Closed from December 15 pm to March 15 , July 15 pm to September 1. Directions: North of Dothan, South of Eufaula , off 431 Located on county road 29 1 12 miles off intersection Turn at the liberty gas station. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Bretts Garden Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 561-376-8992. Fax: 561-622-7652. . North of Dothan, South of Eufaula , off 431 Located on county road 29 1 1/2 miles off intersection Turn at the liberty gas station. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. potatoes,cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, collard greens,okra,lettuce,swiss chard, we also sell home made jams ,hot sauces, jared peppers,pickles and shelled candied and raw pecans. WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF CROPS GROWING MOST OF THE YEAR CHECK OUT WHATS AVAILABLE BY LOGGING INTO OUR SITE AND REVIEWING THE "WHATS GROWING" SECTION ON OUR PRODUCTS PAGE. WE WILL UPDATE PRODUCTS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS) (ADDED: February 28, 2015)

 

Eggplants: Picking, Varieties, Descriptions and Recipes

Most people are familiar with the large roundish dark purple/black eggplant used in making Eggplant Parmesan. But there are many other varieties with many uses. Here's what you need to know about eggplants, how to choose them, how to harvest them and how to use them!

Know when to harvest eggplant:

•  Size and Color: Most eggplant varieties are typically harvested when they reach a mature size and have developed a deep, glossy color. The skin should be uniformly colored, whether it's purple, green, or white, depending on the variety.
•  Texture: Gently press your finger against the eggplant's skin. Ripe eggplants should feel firm but slightly yield to pressure. Avoid eggplants that have soft spots or are overly mushy.
•  Shiny Skin: Ripe eggplants have a shiny appearance, indicating that they are ready for harvest.

How to harvest eggplants

•  Tools: To harvest eggplants, you'll need a pair of sharp garden shears or a knife.
•  Stems: Look for the stem attached to the eggplant. It should be firm and green. Avoid harvesting eggplants with dry or withered stems.
•  Cutting: Hold the eggplant near the stem and carefully cut it off using the shears or a knife. Leave a short portion of the stem attached to the fruit. Make sure not to damage the eggplant or nearby foliage during the process.
•   Sharp parts: watch out for the pointy edges at the base of the stem.  They are SHARP!
•  Quantity: Harvest one eggplant at a time, or if you have multiple ripe fruits, you can harvest them in a single session.

Storing eggplant

• Handling: Handle harvested eggplants with care to avoid bruising or damage. Place them gently in a basket or container to prevent them from being squished or bumped around.
• Storage: If you're not using the eggplants immediately, store them in a cool, dry place, such as the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, but usually no longer, when properly stored. Avoid washing the eggplants before storing, as moisture can promote spoilage.
• Culinary uses: Once harvested, the eggplants are ready to be enjoyed in various recipes. From grilling and roasting to stir-fries and bakes, there are numerous delicious dishes to explore with freshly harvested eggplants.

Remember, it's essential to harvest eggplants at the right time to ensure optimal flavor and texture. By paying attention to the size, color, texture, and stem condition, you can confidently harvest ripe and flavorful eggplants for your culinary delights.

Varieties and Types of Eggplant

The most common types of eggplants and their uses are:

1.  Globe Eggplant: The globe eggplant is the most common variety and is known for its large, round shape and glossy purple skin. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Globe eggplants are versatile and can be used in various dishes, including stews, curries, stir-fries, and grilled preparations.
   
   
2. Japanese Eggplant: Japanese eggplants are long and slender with dark purple skin and a tender, delicate flavor. They have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste compared to the globe variety. Japanese eggplants are perfect for stir-fries, tempura, roasting, or grilling. Due to their thin skin, they cook quickly and can be used in recipes that require less cooking time.
    
   
3.  Italian Eggplant: Also known as the "baby eggplant" or "aubergine," Italian eggplants are small-sized with deep purple skin and a rich, slightly bitter taste. They have a firm texture and hold their shape well when cooked, making them ideal for grilling, roasting, or stuffing. They are commonly used in Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille, caponata, or eggplant Parmesan.
    
   
4. Thai Eggplant: Thai eggplants come in various colors and sizes, including green, white, or striped varieties. They are small and round, similar to cherry tomatoes. Thai eggplants have a slightly bitter taste and firm texture. They are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in curries, stir-fries, and spicy salads.
    
5. Indian Eggplant: Indian eggplants, also known as "brinjals" or "baingan," have a small to medium size and come in different shapes and colors, such as round, elongated, or striped varieties. They have a slightly bitter taste and a dense, meaty texture. Indian eggplants are frequently used in traditional Indian recipes like baingan bharta (roasted and mashed eggplant), curries, pickles, or stuffed dishes.
    
6.  White Eggplant: White eggplants have a unique appearance with creamy white skin. They are similar in shape and size to the globe variety but have a slightly milder taste. White eggplants are often used in dishes where their color stands out, such as stir-fries, casseroles, or salads. They can also be grilled or baked for a subtle and elegant presentation.
   

 

 

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