2024 Central New Jersey Eggplant U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Central New Jersey 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.

Mercer County

• Lee Turkey Farm - Pick Your Own: Apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, beans, peas, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant, peppers, broccoli, pumpkins, other vegetables, flowers, hayrides, corn maze
  201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, NJ . Phone: (609) 448-0629. Open: May - December, 9 am till 6 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 2 pm till 6 pm; Please keep in mind that if you are coming to pick you must be at the farm no later than 5:15pm to enter the fields and orchards. Directions: On Hickory Corner Road, 1 mile W of Route 130. We also have a roadside market farm stand with Apples, cucumbers, cabbage, fruits, vegetables. Our apple varieties are Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Red Delicious, Red Delicious, StaymaWinesap. We also have Hay rides; walking tours; corn maze; oven-ready turkeys. We also have Hay rides; walking tours; corn maze; oven-ready turkeys. Strawberries are usually available from mid May through mid June. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Lee Turkey Farm Facebook page. . On Hickory Corner Road, 1 mile W of Route 130. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Apples, cucumbers, cabbage, fruits, vegetables. Our apple varieties are Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Red Delicious, Red Delicious, Stayma/Winesap. We also have Hay rides; walking tours; corn maze; oven-ready turkeys. We also have Hay rides; walking tours; corn maze; oven-ready turkeys. Strawberries are usually available from mid May through mid June. Facebook page. Pick Your Own Club/Picking Card: Before entering our fields and orchards, you must be a member of the Pick Your Own Club. The "Club" is nothing new. We have been doing this since 1972. The purpose of our Pick Your Own Club is to ensure that all of our customers understand the rules of our farm. We realize that no one particularly likes to follow rules, but ours are pretty easy to follow. After the form is filled out, there is a $2 charge for membership, and you will receive a picking card that acts as your pass for the entire season and shows that you filled out the liability form. Just $2 for the entire family for the entire year. Bring your picking pass with you whenever you come to pick, or you will be required to fill out the form again and purchase a new one. A visitor writes on September 06, 2014: "The blackberries that I got form the farm, worth $5, were a waste of money. It had plenty of worms..oh god! thrown them all.. please never bring berries from this farm. Also, last time I bought Nectarines from market, they were super sour. If you need Nectarines, pick by yourself (they are good), but the one in the market are not ripened.Peaches are good; apples are not so sweet.(while some are super sour, taste and then pick). EGG PLANTS ARE TOO GOOD. Please, never pick blackberries, they are just so suspicious to eat..eaweeeee. I have been to this farm twice,in future will go only for necters and peaches. good luck for your next pick up."
  Comments from a visitor on September 19, 2009: "My fiancee and I love to pick your own fruit. I was searching your website for a place that was close to home and we found . It's a GREAT place. It has a mom and pop feel. The staff is very friendly and are always willing to help you. The fruit was delicious and very plentiful. We went peach picking in September and there were so very many trees that still had so much fruit on them. I enjoyed the low prices on the pick your own. This is a GREAT find. People should check this place out!!"

Middlesex County

• John Himich Farms - Tomatoes, eggplant, peaches, pears, apples (September. & Oct.), vegetables, flowers, pumpkins, cut & choose Christmas trees
  701 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, NJ . Phone: (732) 257-1538. Open: Aug. Click here for a map and directions. . 15 - Nov. 1. NJ Tpk South Exit 9, Rt. 18 S to Cranbury Rd. Exit (Rt. 535S), 31/2 miles, on right. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Variety of fruits and vegetables. Our apple varieties are Empire, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap. We also have Mums, cut flowers, local honey. Call for more information and hours.

Monmouth County

• Atlantic Farms - Peppers; eggplant; tomatoes; squash; plum tomatoes; cut flowers; pumpkins; mums;
  1506 Atlantic Ave. (Rt. 524), Wall, NJ . Phone: (732) 528-8680. Open: Daily, year-round, 9 am to 5;00 pm. Directions: GSP Exit 98 \(Rt. 34 to Sea GirtManasquan Exit\) Rt. 524 E; or Rt. 35 to Manasquan Cir., Rt. 524 W. We also have a roadside market farm stand with Broccoli; cabbage; cauliflower; cucumbers; eggplant; herbs; lettuce; melons; peppers \(sweet, hot\); squash \(summer, winter\); tomatoes; plum tomatoes; string beans; beets; carrots; sweet corn; onions; pumpkins; radishes; spinach; watermelon,hay straw; corn stalks; . Click here for a map and directions. . GSP Exit 98 (Rt. 34 to Sea Girt/Manasquan Exit) Rt. 524 E; or Rt. 35 to Manasquan Cir., Rt. 524 W. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Broccoli; cabbage; cauliflower; cucumbers; eggplant; herbs; lettuce; melons; peppers (sweet, hot); squash (summer, winter); tomatoes; plum tomatoes; string beans; beets; carrots; sweet corn; onions; pumpkins; radishes; spinach; watermelon,hay straw; corn stalks; Christmas trees. We also have Hay rides during pumpkin season, Christmas, Easter; corn maze; petting farm, school & group farm tours; picnic area; equipment display; special events as advertised; WIC and Senior FMNP checks accepted.
• Peppadew Fresh Farms - Hydrangea (September), Pussy Willow, (Feb), quince, (March) Wine Grapes (Oct) Tomatoes/Eggplant (Sept)
  97 Harbor Rd., Morganville, NJ . Phone: (908) 507-2240. Email: pierre@peppadewusa.com. Open: Weekends, Call for times. Click here for a map and directions. . GSP south to 117 A Aberdeen, exit right on Lloyd Rd. Left at Rt. 79. Go one mile to Harbor Rd., make right onto Harbor Rd. 1/2 mile down on right side,

 

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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