2024 Hernando County, west Florida Eggplant U-Pick farms - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Hernando County, west Florida 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.

Hernando County

• D&S Blueberries Upicktopia - No pesticides are used, tangerines, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, we also have pie pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  19125 Phillips Rd, Masaryktown, FL 34604. Phone: 352-308-0110. Email: danebbecke@bellsouth.net. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 am to 5; check their Facebook page for what is currently available to pick. Directions: one mile down Phillips road off Ayers rd. Go east 1.7 miles on Ayers Road to Phillips Road. One mile down Phillips on left at the end of the chain link fence. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  D&S Blueberries Upicktopia Facebook page. . We are a blueberry and u pick farm with over 56 acres of land to grow delicious fruits and vegetables. We started in 1996 as a commercial blueberry farm but we are now morphing into a u pick operation that will have as many different types of fruits and vegetable imaginable. We are building a boutique winery on the farm where our fresh fruit is transformed into wonderful tasting wines. We do not spray pesticides without reason and use the softest thing possible to avoid damage to our bee hives and the environment. We use Integrated Pest Management. We do not use neonics or GMO's on our farm.
• Ergle Farm - blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, eggplant, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  3325 Treiman Boulevard, Dade City, FL 33523. Phone: (352) 583-3647. Email: ergletrees@gmail.com. Open: every day from 9 am to 4 pm. Directions: Ergle\'s is located 8 miles north of Dade City, Florida directly on U.S. highway 301. From I-75, take exit number 301 at Highway 50. Drive East on Highway 50 for 5 miles and turn South on Highway 301 and drive two miles. The farm is located on directly on Highway 301 on the West side of 301 \(farm is 2 miles south of the Highway 301 and Highway 50 intersection on Highway 301\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Fax: (352) 583-0591. . info@ergletrees.com. Ergle's is located 8 miles north of Dade City, Florida directly on U.S. highway 301. From I-75, take exit number 301 at Highway 50. Drive East on Highway 50 for 5 miles and turn South on Highway 301 and drive two miles. The farm is located on directly on Highway 301 on the West side of 301 (farm is 2 miles south of the Highway 301 and Highway 50 intersection on Highway 301). PYO is available only when in season; Blueberries in May, Strawberries grown in hydroponic stackers are avabile in November, Thornless Blackberries in June, Pumpkins in October, Christmas trees are sold from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through December 23rd; See our website for additional information. We also have fruit trees for sale. All varieties are self pollinating, require low chill hours, and are freeze resistant. Beverly Hills Apple Dorsett Golden Apple Gala Apple Gordon Apple 3 n 1 Fruit Salad Spice Zee Nectaplum Eva's Pride Peach Flordaking Peach Flordaprince Peach May Pride Peach Bella Gold Peacturn Weeping Santa Rosa Plum Shinseiki Asian Pear Giant Fuyu Persimmon. We provide what is needed to pick the berries, but please bring your own bags to take these delicious berries home in. There is never an entry fee at Ergle Tree Farm and parking is plentiful. Always call our Berry hotline to check the status of the fields at or (352) 346-2745.

 

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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