By James FitzPatrick
Contributing Writer
Most people who watch what they eat know that blueberries are considered to be a superfood, as good for your overall health as they are for your taste buds.
Not only are they low in calories, blueberries are high in fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and manganese. They help manage cholesterol and may protect against some forms of cancer. Research has also shown that their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial to vision and memory health.
They’re not just healthy; they’re juicy and delicious – good enough to pop in your mouth as a grab-and-go sweet snack.
These beautiful bites of JerseyFresh goodness are the foundation of some classic summertime foods. Whether it’s muffins, pancakes, pies, smoothies, cheesecake, jam, cobbler, salad, daiquiris or even homemade wine, the taste of fresh blueberries equals summer.
This superfood is also super important to the economy of the Garden State, South Jersey especially.
According to the state Department of Agriculture, blueberries were New Jersey’s leading crop in 2022, generating a production value of $69 million, as reported by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
New Jersey consistently ranks among the top seven states in terms of blueberry production. In 2022, farmers in the Garden State harvested 34 million pounds of blueberries across approximately 7,300 acres of farmland. Production can be as high as 250,000-300,000 crates per day, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Blueberries are a big part of the traditional South Jersey summer that we all celebrate, right up there in the JerseyFresh pantheon with silver queen corn, white peaches, plum tomatoes and backyard cucumbers.
With Jersey blueberries hitting high harvest season right about now – July is National Blueberry Month, designated by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council – it’s the perfect time to show your true blue colors. On their website, www.blueberry.org you can learn about the countless creative and flavorful ways to prepare and enjoy the blueberry, especially the fresh, picked right here in season kind. https://blueberry.org/recipes/
For many locals and visitors that can only be done by visiting one of the many local, you-pick farms located in our area.
In the spirit of starting a fun family Jersey Fresh tradition or just trying something different outdoors that doesn’t involve the beach, Shore Local News has compiled a list of local you-pick farms updated for 2023, along with some helpful tips so you can get the most out of your day.
With lots of you-pick farms right here in Atlantic and Cape May counties we have plenty of you-pick opportunities nearby ready and waiting to make new memories and traditions.
Nearby You-Pick Blueberry Farms
Atlantic County
Blueberry Bill’s
914 11th Street
Hammonton
609-839-4306
“Makes for a great family day with the wife and kiddos,” Timothy P.
DiMeo Farms & Nursery
3101 Nesco Road
Hammonton
609-561-5905
“Such a beautiful farm…and of course the blueberries are amazing!!,” Paula P.
Legendary Blueberries
511 West Duerer St.
Egg Harbor City
609-703-3355
McCay Blueberry Farms
176 Middle Road
Hammonton
609-204-7680
“The farm is so lovely and the blueberries were plentiful and easy to pick!” Louise D.
Piney Hollow Farm
502 E Piney Hollow Rd, Williamstown
856-629-5188
“My boys and I just came to pick yesterday. Delicious as always!!!!!!,” Jennifer S.
Walking Bird Farm
250 S Mannheim Ave.
Egg Harbor City
609-678-4129
“Wonderful, friendly owners and a beautiful farm,” Jenny D
Cape May County
Allen Family Farm
26 Tarkiln Road
Woodbine
609-861-3778
“This is a family friendly farm. No herbicides or pesticides used.” Annette S.
Littleworth Tree Farm
1957 Tuckahoe Road
Petersburg
609-628-3346
“Fabulous blueberries. We loved picking them and made yummy blueberry cobbler!” Randa F.
Stiles Farm and Nursery
172 South Delsea Drive
Cape May Court House
609-600-7939
“Great blueberries, nice clean place, very nice and friendly people there.” RS
But before you jump in the car and go, here are a few tips to consider before you get out there. Most are from the Agricultural and Environmental Development Institute www.aediamerica.org with information from other sources included too.
While there are lots of you-pick locations listed online, it’s a good idea to call before you go. Many require reservations while others have limited hours and days. While most have Facebook pages, the posted details are incomplete for many. Also there are amenities to look out for too including activities like kayaking and music.
Call Ahead. Check farm hours, reservation availability, payment options, location, rules, setup, restrooms and prices. What should you bring? (Bags, buckets etc). Are there attractions besides blueberries?
Get an Early Start. You want to pick the best berries and avoid the heat.
Dress Appropriately. Wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t wear excessive jewelry and sleeveless tops. Expect to get dirty. Dress for comfort.
Protect Yourself: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and bug repellant. Drink water to stay hydrated.
Know What to Pick: Pick full and ripe blueberries that are dark blue in color and fall off the bush easily. Start picking from the top of the bush and work your way down. Look carefully for berries hidden in the leaves. Ask a staff member for help if you’re unsure about ripe berries. Be mindful of where you pick.
Respect the Farm: Avoid overpicking and discarding unwanted berries in the field. Obey all signs and instructions. Park in designated spaces. Place garbage in appropriate receptacles and never enter restricted areas. Avoid damaging the bushes.
Mind the Kids: Supervise children at all times. Children should never be allowed to wander alone on the farm.
No Pets. As a food safety precaution, farmers ask that you leave your pets at home.
What to Bring: Bring a rigid container for each adult picking. Don’t bring plastic bags because berries could get crushed if you pick too many. It’s helpful to bring a cooler or reusable shopping bag.
Other Plans: Plan on spending a couple of hours depending on how much you pick. Make plans for eating as some farms provide picnic tables.
With blueberries it’s not just about, the cooking, baking or mixing. Many people enjoy visiting you-pick farms, making it a must-do, all-ages family tradition.
Blueberries can be eaten in so many ways, either as a grab-and-go healthy snack, or as a decorative touch to an adult beverage. You can mix them in some yogurt for breakfast or in your salad with dinner. In the kitchen, the whole family can join in the fun as there are so many easy bake recipes available. Some people either freezing so they can be enjoyed all year long.
Whether it’s flavor, health or convenience that you crave, blueberries have all of the bases covered.
By taking a deep dive into blueberries you will be supporting one of South Jersey’s most important industries. Enjoy!
Copy editor and Contributing Writer James FitzPatrick has been a community journalist in Atlantic and Cape May counties for more than 30 years, including 20 years as editor of The Current Newspapers. He lives in Hammonton.
