2024 Phoenix and Surrounding Counties in Arizona Eggplant U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Phoenix and Surrounding Counties in Arizona 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.

Maricopa County

• Tolmachoff Farms - carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, Fresh eggs
  5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85303. Phone: 602-999-3276. Email: tolmachoff1farms@yahoo.com. Open: Month of June ONLY on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am until 12:00 noon; Summer Season produce stand will be open from mid May through mid July from 9 am till 5 pm daily. Directions: 75th Avenue between Bethany Home and Camelback. For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard. . U-Pick It Time at! four generation family owned and operated farm will be hosting the u-pick garden this June. Pick a variety of fresh produce and take it straight from our farm to your table and enjoy! U-Pick It during the month of June (ONLY). Produce Stand Information Summer season produce stand will be open from mid May - mid July, 9 am to 5 pm every day. (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS) (UPDATED: March 22, 2016) IMPORTANT NOTE: CALL BEFORE YOU GO TO VERIFY THAT THE VEGETABLES YOU WANT TO PICK ARE AVAILABLE AS UPICK.from visitors:
  Comments from a visitor on June 29, 2012: "Just thought I would update your comments section on this wonderful farm. Tomatoes are still "on" and are so good! Still just 2.00 per pound. Their corn is picked every day and sooooo delicious. Originally from Iowa I think the tomatoes are every bit as good. And corn just has to be cooked the day it is picked!!!!!!! I stopped even trying to grow my own. I visit 2 per week and have been feasting on the produce! "
  Comments from a visitor on November 11, 2010: "I was reading all the good feedback on the farm and thought I would let you know I have been there several times. I have taken Bus loads of little ones from the School Districts to see the farm. They all have such a great time when they are there. If not for this farm I don`t think a majority of the kids would ever see farm animals up close or pick vegetables right out of the garden. They are all so cute when they get on the Bus to go home with their little bags of vegetables and small pint sized pumpkins. They really enjoy themselves when they are there. And some of the Teacher`s I have heard them talk about when they were kids and on their grand parents farm how coming to Tolmachoff`s Farm has brought back memories. I think it is great what they do for the kids. I enjoy getting the field trips myself. I love going to the Farm. Thanks Tolmcchoff`s for All you do. Hope to see you soon."
  Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2010: "Tomatoes this year at are especially good. Phoenix, AZ spring weather was milder than usual and thus was kinder than normal to their tomatoes. Big ole beefsteaks like my Grandma used to grow in Kansas. I especially like their heirloom brandywines. They say they should have tomatoes into July this season and I have to wait another week for cantaloupe. Tomatoes this year are $2 a pound and well worth it. Growing tomatoes in our dry hot climate is a monumental challenge and Tolmachoff pulls it off year after year. Special Note: Arizona tomatoes are different than those grown in the Midwest or Jersey. The culprit is the soil and the heat here. But biting into a big juicy meaty tomato makes up for the taste difference. I have been in Phoenix since 1974 and a customer of Tolmachoff since I found them on yet another quest to find a good tomato. Enjoy"
  Comments from a visitor on September 14, 2008: "we love, when their sweet corn and vineripe tomatoes are in season they are the best in this state. we cannot wait for this pumpkin season its so much fun."
  Comments from a visitor on September 05, 2008: "I have been a customer of for many years!! Every year seems to get better and better! My children have such a terrific time when we have visited!! From the petting zoo, to the train ride and the wonderful vegetable garden and large assortment of pumpkins, YOU just couldn't ask for more!!!!!!! The employees have always been courteous and very helpful when it comes to providing us with information about the farm or any general questions we have had. They are very professional. The best time to visit the farm is in October when they have so many fun activities!!! The haunted corn maze its definitely our favorite, not to mention a low admission cost which is also a great deal!! A lot of the other haunted mazes in town can be twice as much if not more!!!!! Definitely would recommend this farm experience to any family wanting to have some good fun for a great price!! You can tell this is a real FAMILY RUN farm, it definitely shows!!! "
  Comments from a visitor on September 04, 2008: "I just read some of the comments on your site and I wanted to let you know that we have gone to the farm for many years and enjoy everything they have to offer and everyone is so friendly. They offer activities for children of all ages, we have many great memories of the farm. Each year they add more & more we will continue to go every year, our 4 year old son would not come out of the corn box "what a blast". We are looking forward to this up coming season. Sincerly, Cindy"
  Comments from a visitor on February 1, 2008: "I also visited in October, during the fall festival. I didn't find the entrance fee unreasonable or any employees rude, and we had a blast! Especially our 8 year old daughter. The farm had a petting zoo, bounce houses, 2 corn mazes, a kid's 'train' ride, a tricycle racing area, and some kids playground equipment. The pumpkins were a little expensive, but the rest of the goods in the market were reasonable. We bought preserves, apple butter, and one big pumpkin."Has anyone else got any experiences to share, positive or negative? Write me! It sounds like people have fun there, just call first to confirm that what you want is available and that you are ok with the pricing.

Yavapai County

• Mortimer Farms - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, horseradish, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, jumping pillow, ziplines, train rides (train on a track), trike track, pedal kart track, mining for gems, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
  12907 East State Route 169, Dewey, AZ 86327. Phone: (928) 830-1116. Email: Mortimerfarmsaz@gmail.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: On the corner of 169 and 69 in Dewey, Arizona. From Phoenix: I-17 to Cortez Junction. Turn North on Highway 69. Drive 10 Miles to farm on Right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Mortimer Farms Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Farm Market Open Daily 8 to 6 Pumpkin Festival Open Friday 5 pm to 10, Saturday 10 to 10, Sunday 10 to 5 and Halloween Day 5 pm to 10. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic., a popular Prescott area attraction, bringing back the rich farming history of the Dewey-Humboldt Area. Made famous by our summer sweet corn, annual harvest party, annual pumpkin festival and Christmas Tree Village plus the brand new Farm Park! We also grow a variety seasonal vegetables, strawberries and raise fabulous meat. All in which is available in our Country Store. We grow all the ingredients of a specially blended Arizona feed ration. This specially blended feed has all the vitamins and minerals needed to raise and produce fabulous meat including our amazing turkey, pork, Black Angus Beef, and chicken. Join us for the Harvest Party and our Pumpkin and Corn Maze Festival! Don't miss all of the family friendly festival activities and terrific food we have in store fort your group this season! Plan your trip today

 

Pick Your Own Farms!

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