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

Eggplant U-Pick farms in Northeast 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.

Bergen County

• Abma's Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, pumpkins, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, porta-potties, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ 7481. Phone: (201) 891-0278. Email: abmasfarm@abmasfarm.com. Open: See website for current PYO dates. Directions: We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, WIC Vouchers, ATM onsite. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, WIC Vouchers, ATM onsite.
  Abma's Farm Facebook page. . Fax: 2018489721. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. We typically offer strawberry picking in June, potato picking in late July and August, and tomato picking in August. Dates and times may change as each picking event gets closer due to the growing season and weather. Abma's family farm says "everything homegrown is raised with love, picked or cooked daily, and served fresh". We have been part of the Wyckoff landscape for over 85 years as Bergen County's only produce and poultry farm. We provide the community with the highest quality fresh produce, poultry and eggs from our own chickens, daily baked goods from our "scratch" bakery, homemade specialties from our kitchen, and artfully grown plants from our greenhouses. Our 30 acre farm dates back to the 1790s; the homestead and out-buildings are well preserved and kept in their original state. Our largest Dutch style barn, one of the few 200+ year old barns still standing in Bergen County, has been converted into a thriving retail market with a "scratch" bakery and a gourmet kitchen. (ADDED: March 18, 2021)

Morris County

• Alstede Farms - apples, apricots, beans, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), eggplant, flowers, gooseberries, herbs or spices, melons, nectarines, onions, other berries, peas, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables,
  1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 7930. Phone: 908-879-7189. Email: info@alstedefarms.com. Open: PYO Hours: Spring & Summer: 9 am to 6 pm, Fall: 9 am to 5 pm check website to see when hours change Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers.
  Alstede Farms Facebook page. . . PYO Hours: Spring & Summer: 9 am to 6 pm, Fall: 9 am to 5 pm (check website to see when hours change) Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. We are also a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. The basic idea of CSA farming is a cooperative relationship between the farmer and his customers. Based on an annual commitment to one another, community members provide a pre-season payment to purchase a share of the harvest . The member then receives a weekly box of a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit through the growing season, harvested at the peak of ripeness and flavor. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets for all Pick Your Own (PYO) activities in advance, online, utilizing our website. We can not guarantee PYO entry for walk in guests. Any (PYO) entry ticket that is purchased at the PYO sheds will incur a $5.00 per ticket convenience fee.Click here to view our updated Pick Your Own policies.Click here to purchase advance tickets.(UPDATED: September 7, 2021, JBS) (UPDATED: April 23, 2018)
  Comments from a visitor on July 19, 2019: "Blueberries and raspberries are $6.99/lb, which is high, but Peaches are $2.79/lb is is a good price."
  Comments from a visitor on August 12, 2012: "No longer is the price $3.00 (and optional $2.00 hayride). It is $5.00 each to enter farm with $3.00 credit per person. I said I did not need hayride to bring me to the apples and peaches that i could walk myself, but price is still $5.00. Taking hayride to fruits/ veggies OR NOT it is still $5.00 (with the $3.00 credit). Pretty expensive though, spent close to $100.00 on apples and peaches.."
  Comments from a visitor on September 22, 2010: "In reply to the post from Sept 11th 2010. I agree that at first it was a little unsettling to have to pay up front for the privilege of picking my own stuff. They charge $3.00 per person for admission to the fields and an additional $2.00 per person if you want to take the hayride. The hayride is completely optional, as the orchards/berry fields are easily within walking distance of the main areas and they actually give you back the $3.00 per person as credit towards paying for whatever you picked, you just need to hand over your ticket stubs to the cashier. My $30.00 worth of apples (My 3 yr old son had to pick an apple from every tree, lol) was reduced to only $12.00 after the credit. All in all, my family and I have a great time here and we come back every year for apples and pumpkins. We highly recommend it!"
  Comments from a visitor on September 11, 2010: "We visited today to pick our own fruit, something I have done multiple times per year with my daughters since we moved here 9 years ago. Sadly we were greeted with the new policy of paying $5 per person just to go out to the fields to pick..then you pay for the lbs of fruit on top of that. Can you imagine paying $20 for some raspberries?? That's what it would have cost us if just me and my 8 year old went out to the field and filled a basket! OUCH We didn't pick fruit and we didn't stay. What you used to be a fun simple low cost place to take your children has become a money hungry pit and almost commercial like. I can understand when they want to charge for the kids to play on the blow up rentals they have or ride the ponies but WHY would you charge a customer $5 to go out to the field and pick the berries FOR YOU and then pay for them? I know there are plenty other farms that don't do that and that's a shame. Shame Shame Shame"
  Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2009: "We love this farm!"
  Comments from a visitor, May 30, 2008: "They are open all year and have a fabulous store (if you don't want to get out in the brambles and pick your own) They are kid friendly with hayrides, horse rides, festivals, corn maze. They take credit cards and have restrooms. They make their own homemade ice cream (oh boy is it good!). They have farm markets in local communities throughout central NJ. You can even cut your very own wildflowers to take home in a bouquet! :D They are a great farm in a great little town (which also has a Sally Lunn's Tea Room and many wonderful little antique stores and old fashioned privately owned boutique stores."
• Bader Farm - No pesticides are used, Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, pumpkins
  290 Change Bridge Rd., Pine Brook, NJ . Phone: (973) 227-0294. Email: ibader4369@aol.com. Open: April 1st- December 31st ,Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6:30pm, Sunday 8 am to 3 pm; Holidays 8 am to 3 pm hours are subject to change. Directions: see website. We also have a roadside market farm stand with Tomatoes, Sweet corn, Peppers, Eggplat, Apples, Peaches, Pears, Pumpkins, etc. Our apple varieties are Red & Golden Delicious, Winesap, Empire, Gala & more. We also have Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Potted Geraniums, Mums, Pointsettias, Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodills, Shrubs, Bagged Soils, Bulk Mulch, Cornstalks,Gourds, Indian Corn, Wreaths, Grave Blankets, and . Click here for a map and directions. , Fax: (973) 575-7497. . April 1st- December 31st ,Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6:30pm, Sunday 8 am to 3 pm; Holidays 8 am to 3 pm (hours are subject to change). see website. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Tomatoes, Sweet corn, Peppers, Eggplat, Apples, Peaches, Pears, Pumpkins, etc. Our apple varieties are Red & Golden Delicious, Winesap, Empire, Gala & more. We also have Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Potted Geraniums, Mums, Pointsettias, Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodills, Shrubs, Bagged Soils, Bulk Mulch, Cornstalks,Gourds, Indian Corn, Wreaths, Grave Blankets, and Christmas Trees. We do not use insecticides to we use biological control. What that means is no chemicals; essentially, the good bugs eat the bad bugs. We also use composted soil, a natural fungicide. We sell retail and wholesale, are handicap accessible and, for the convenience of our customers, we accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition to our home-grown annuals, perennials, fresh produce and fruit, we offer a local landscape service and seasonal offerings such as Easter plants, pumpkins, greenhouse Poinsettias, firewood, etc. In early July, we begin harvesting our own seasonal produce - crisp cucumbers, string beans, zucchinis, Jersey tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, and eggplants. August and September is the very best time for all our tasty treats! In addition, our farm stand offers a tempting selection of jams, jellies, local honey and more.
• Riamede Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, kale, snap peas (edible pod), hot peppers, sweet peppers, carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, Swiss chard, winter squash, Heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, sunflowers, zinnias, flowers, Basil, Honey from hives on the farm, Local honey from within 50 miles, concessions or refreshment stand, bakery, picnic area, porta-potties, Cell service cell phones work here, No dogs allowed except for service animals, birthday parties, school tours
  122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930. Phone: (908) 879-7762. Email: info@riamedefarm.com. Open: 1; All seven days from 9 am to 4:30 pm; 2; Typical season is from August 1 to December 23; 3; Out of season, we host events; Please see our website or Facebook page for currently planned events and tickets; 4; Availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please call or check our website for current availability. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Apples typically are open August 20 to November 15 Vegetables are available August 1 to November 15. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, All credit cards, AndroidPay, ApplePay, EftPos, SNAP Vouchers. Pick apples in an old orchard with a 19th century ambiance featuring 34+ varieties of traditional, modern and heirloom apples. The pumpkin patch outback offers cut-off-the-vine, bring your own cutting shears. Also, pyo Indian corn, tomatoes & gourds. Cider, donuts, jams, jellies, honey. Free hayrides on weekends. School trips. Roam our peaceful 68 acres of scenic orchards & woodlands; enjoy the fall colors. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Apples some of the Our apple varieties are Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap; traditional, modern and heirloom apple varieties available. We also have Cider, jams, jellies, honey, hay rides. Roam our 50 acres of scenic old orchards & woodlands; enjoy the fall colors.
  Click here for our Facebook page.
  Click here for our Instagram page.
  Other flowers: snapdragons.
  (UPDATED: March 25, 2024)

Somerset County

• Pariso Farm - beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, farm animals
  404 Skillman Road, Skillman, NJ 8558. Phone: 609-466-0947. Email: parisofarm@gmail.com. Open: PYO will be availble during all open hours of The Farm, see their Facebook page for hours. Directions: From North: Route 206 south, turn right at light onto Route 601 south. Continue for a few miles and turn right into Skillman Road \(US Post Office on corner\). From the South: Route 206 north. Turn left at light onto Route 518. Continue for a few miles and turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. \(US Post Office on corner\). From the West: Route 518 east. Turn left at light onto Hollow Road. Go over road level track crossing, and carry on for a mile. Turn left onto Camp Meeting Avenue. We are the third drive on the left after passing Fairview Road. From the East: Route 518 west. Turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. \(US Post Office on corner\). Go over the railroad bridge \(single lane\) and we are the second drive on the right. Payment: Cash, only. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . From North: Route 206 south, turn right at light onto Route 601 south. Continue for a few miles and turn right into Skillman Road (US Post Office on corner). From the South: Route 206 north. Turn left at light onto Route 518. Continue for a few miles and turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. (US Post Office on corner). From the West: Route 518 east. Turn left at light onto Hollow Road. Go over road level track crossing, and carry on for a mile. Turn left onto Camp Meeting Avenue. We are the third drive on the left after passing Fairview Road. From the East: Route 518 west. Turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. (US Post Office on corner). Go over the railroad bridge (single lane) and we are the second drive on the right. We anticipate opening mid-June. However, please check the website or phone for an exact date. In 2019, they have Shelling peas, sugar snaps, green beans, blueberries and squash (green and golden zucchini, tomatoes, , plus some pickle cucumbers, bibb lettuce and radishes as well. (ADDED: March 21, 2015)
• Snyder's Farm - blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, sunflower maze, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, trike track, pony rides, petting zoo, birthday parties, group reservations
  586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ 8873. Phone: 732-496-0441. Email: info@snyders-farm.com. Open: Please see our website for current hours; When in season, U-Pick is open weekends only Saturday & Sunday depending on crop availability 9am to 4pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Snyder's Farm Facebook page. . Fax: 732-297-1835. . Please see our website for current hours; When in season, U-Pick is open weekends only (Saturday & Sunday depending on crop availability) 9am to 4pm. Our blueberries and strawberries are pesticide free Check out our website for updates on our annual fall festival During our fall festival we offer a ATM machine for your convenience. Strawberry season starts in late May and is usually over by mid-June. Blueberry season usually starts in late June is over in late July. Both depend on crop availability. Always call before you visit to check on crop availability, as we update our message daily to keep our customers informed. We do not have an entry or picking fee, you just pay for what you pick. We have everything you need to pick, so there is no need to bring your own baskets, but you are welcome to do so. (UPDATED: October 1, 2021, JBS) (ADDED: February 18, 2015)
• Sunhaven Farms - Strawberries, sweet peas, peppers; green beans, eggplant, tomatoes; plum tomatoes , broccoli, cauliflower, garden mums
  1018 Orchard Drive, Hillsborough, NJ . Phone: (908) 369-6504. Email: njberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: Pick-your-own strawberries in June, fresh produce and plum tomatoes all summer long. Directions: New Center Road to Orchard Drive. . Click here for a map and directions. 79415/tiSunhaven Farms.
  Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2007: "We went toon Friday, and picked strawberries. The strawberries were really good! She had flowers to buy and hothouse tomatoes."

 

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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