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

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Southwest 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.

Burlington County

• Farmer Jack's Christmas Trees/ Halloween/Home Grown Produce - cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals
  150 Route 530, Southampton, NJ 8088. Phone: (609) 929-8570. Email: farmerjacks@temple.edu. Open: Produce Stand and Halloween, Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm Christmas Trees, Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day. Directions: On website from New York, Philadelphia, and Del. Very detailed. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Produce Stand open last week of June until October 31st. Halloween pumpkin picking and rides open October 1st - October 31st Christmas trees are open from Thanksgiving until Christmas Day along with free pony rides, horse drawn cart rides and a petting zoo. We offer summer produce, fall produce, pumpkin picking and in winter Christmas trees and pony rides with a purchase of a tree.
  Comments from a visitor on September 20, 2011: "My hubby & I took our son a couple years ago to Farmer Jacks for tractor pulled hay ride to pick pumpkins. The man seemed nice at first, but then he started making political comments & we were shocked. Couldn't wait to get out of there! We will never go back there! Don't want to give him any of our business"
• Riverside Homestead Farm (aka, Taylor's Riverside Farm) - ORGANIC, Pick Your Own: Raspberries; tomatoes; peppers; eggplant; blackberries; pears; pumpkins
  7 Taylor Lane, Cinnaminson, NJ . Phone: (856) 829-4992. Email: ktmizuro7@gmail.com. Open: June - October, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 PM. Directions: at the Delaware River, From Route 130 take Taylors Lane Northwest, across Route 543 onto farm road and follow signs to stand. We also have a roadside market farm stand with Peas; cherries; green beans; tomatoes; bell peppers; eggplant; corn; blackberries; raspberries; gooseberries; pears; pumpkins. We also have By order - pole limas. Limited volume; all organic. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Riverside Homestead Farm (aka, Taylor's Riverside Farm) Facebook page. . at the Delaware River, From Route 130 take Taylors Lane Northwest, across Route 543 onto farm road and follow signs to stand. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Peas; cherries; green beans; tomatoes; bell peppers; eggplant; corn; blackberries; raspberries; gooseberries; pears; pumpkins. We also have By order - pole limas. Limited volume; all organic. Also called "Taylor's River Side Farm". Our apple varieties are Stayman Winesap, Liberty, Red and Yellow Delicious.
• Specca Farms Pick Your Own - Uses integrated pest management practices, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, summer squash, strawberries, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, porta-potties are available, farm animals, events at your location (call for info)
  870 Jacksonville-mt. Holly Road, Springfield, NJ 8505. Phone: 609-267-4445. Open: all months except July; Closed for the month of July; Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. Directions: from route 541 in Mt. Holly, Head East on Woodlane Road. Turn left onto Jacksonville Road at first traffic light, Farm is on left. Big white sign reads Specca Farms Pick Your Own. Across from Springfield Golf Center. We will have a Sunflower maze in August. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, only. . Pick Your Own Strawberries, Sweet Raab and Bitter Broccoli Raab, Kale and Collards, Leeks, Red, green, Romaine and Butterhead Lettuce, Beets, Spinach and Swiss Chard, FAVA Beans. , , At the Scale House Shed we have our own Honey and Eggs. We have picked greens, leeks and asparagus. Closed in July. Then in August, we re. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Specca Farms Pick Your Own Facebook page. . open with PYO Tomatoes; plum, Jersey, 250s, Heirlooms, Peppers and Eggplant, Okra, Field Peas, Beans, Greens, Lettuces and much more. We offer the largest selection of fresh Vegetables for pick Your Own. Grower of NJ's finest produce for a hundred years. A visitor writes on June 03, 2016: "They give you a large cardboard tray at no charge, and give you a dollar off each time you go back and reuse it."A visitor writes on June 29, 2014: "Specca has strawberries, too! Went 3rd weekend in June. They were awesome. You can also pick beet greens, which are hard to find in stores. Lovely people who own the farm, the Specca family. It's been there since I was a little girl, some 40 years ago. There's also a great farmers market nearby, Columbus Market, great outdoor fleamarket on Sundays."

 

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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