Seasonal Guide to Pick-Your-Own Farms in New Jersey: Seasonal Fruit Picking
Experience the Freshness of New Jersey's Seasonal Produce
New Jersey, famously known as the Garden State, boasts numerous pick-your-own farms offering a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits. From sweet strawberries in the spring to crisp apples in the fall, there's always a delicious adventure awaiting. This comprehensive guide provides a seasonal breakdown and the best farms to visit for fruit-picking enthusiasts.
Spring Fruit Picking in New Jersey (May - June)
Strawberries
Season: Late May to mid-June
Strawberries are the first fruits of the season, offering sweet and juicy berries perfect for jams, desserts, or fresh eating.
Farms:
Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford: johnsonsfarm.com
Alstede Farms in Chester: alstedefarms.com
Cherries
Season: June
Cherries, both sweet and tart, make for a delightful early summer treat.
Farms:
Terhune Orchards in Princeton: terhuneorchards.com
Demarest Farms in Hillsdale: demarestfarms.com
Summer Fruit Picking in New Jersey (June - August)
Blueberries
Season: Late June to early August
Description: Known for their health benefits, blueberries are perfect for snacking, baking, and freezing.
Farms:
DiMeo Farms in Hammonton: dimeofarms.com
Mood's Farm Market in Mullica Hill: moodsfarmmarket.com
Raspberries
Season: Mid-June to August
Description: Raspberries come in several varieties, providing a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
Farms:
Bonacorsi Family Farm in Frenchtown: bonacorsifamilyfarm.com
Stony Hill Farms in Chester: stonyhillfarms.com
Blackberries
Season: Mid-July to mid-August
Description: Blackberries are larger and juicier, making them ideal for pies and preserves.
Farms:
Valley Crest Farm & Preserve in Lebanon: valleycrestfarmnj.org
Wemrock Orchards in Freehold: wemrockorchard.com
Peaches
Season: Mid-July to September
Description: New Jersey peaches are famous for their sweetness and juiciness.
Farms:
Battleview Orchards in Freehold: battlevieworchards.com
Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill: hillcreekfarms.com
Fall Fruit Picking in New Jersey (August - October)
Apples
Season: Late August to October
Description: Apples are the quintessential fall fruit, perfect for pies, cider, and snacking.
Farms:
Sun High Orchards in Randolph: sunhigh.com
Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck: eastmontorchards.com
Pears
Season: September to October
Description: Pears offer a delicate sweetness and can be enjoyed fresh, poached, or baked.
Farms:
Melick's Town Farm in Oldwick: melickstownfarm.com
Prospect Hill Orchards in Milton: prospecthillorchards.com
Pumpkins
Season: October
Description: Pumpkin picking is a favorite fall activity, perfect for Halloween decorations and pies.
Farms:
Happy Day Farm in Manalapan: happydayfarmnj.com
Ort Farms in Long Valley: ortfarms.com
Cranberries
Season: October
Description: Cranberries are often harvested in a unique wet method, but some farms offer dry picking.
Farms:
Whitesbog Village in Browns Mills: whitesbog.org
Tips for Planning Your Fruit Picking Visit
Always check farm websites or call ahead for the latest picking times and fruit availability.
Many farms offer extra family-friendly activities like hayrides, petting zoos, and farm markets.
Enjoy the bounty of New Jersey's farms and the fresh, delicious fruits of each season!
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