There is something special about mid-July in New Jersey. The days are long, the gardens are overflowing, and farm stands are bursting with the unmistakable flavors of summer. It’s the season when sweet corn is at its peak, Jersey tomatoes earn their legendary reputation, and glossy eggplants fill baskets fresh from the field.
These are the vegetables we wait for all year, and while they’re incredible enjoyed fresh, they’re also worth preserving so you can enjoy a taste of summer long after the season has passed.
Summer: The Best Time to Eat Local
There is no better season to shop locally than summer. New Jersey proudly lives up to its nickname as the Garden State, with more than 130 farmers markets bringing freshly harvested produce directly to communities throughout the state.
We’re proud to participate in more than 16 farmers markets each week throughout New Jersey and New York, in addition to welcoming guests at our four year-round farm market locations in Chester, Chester/Mendham, Jefferson/Wharton, and Bridgewater. Whether you visit the farm or shop close to home, there’s a good chance you’ll find our homegrown fruits and vegetables in a neighborhood near you.
Choosing local means your produce is harvested at peak freshness, travels fewer miles, and supports local farms, farmland preservation, and the communities where we all live and work.
Jersey Tomatoes: Summer’s Crown Jewel
Few things say “New Jersey summer” like a vine-ripened Jersey tomato. Picked at peak maturity, they’re naturally sweet, juicy, and full of rich tomato flavor that’s difficult to find any other time of year.
Enjoy Them Fresh
- Slice thick for tomato sandwiches with mayonnaise and fresh basil.
- Toss into a Caprese salad with mozzarella and basil.
- Dice into fresh salsa or bruschetta.
- Add to salads, burgers, and grilled vegetables.
Preserve the Harvest
Tomatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to preserve.
- Freeze whole tomatoes for soups and sauces later in the year.
- Roast and freeze with garlic, onions, and herbs for quick pasta sauces.
- Can crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce using safe water-bath or pressure-canning methods.
- Dry tomatoes in a dehydrator or oven to create flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.
Even tomatoes that have become a little soft are perfect for homemade sauce, making this a delicious way to reduce food waste.
Sweet Corn: Sunshine in Every Bite
Fresh-picked sweet corn is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. Because the natural sugars begin converting to starch soon after harvest, corn is at its absolute best when eaten the same day it’s picked.
Enjoy It Fresh
- Grill ears with butter and herbs.
- Cut kernels into fresh corn salsa.
- Add to salads, succotash, tacos, and grain bowls.
- Make a creamy corn chowder.
Preserve the Harvest
Fortunately, sweet corn freezes beautifully.
- Blanch whole ears or kernels for a few minutes before freezing.
- Freeze kernels flat in freezer bags for easy portioning.
- Make homemade corn relish to enjoy with burgers, grilled meats, or sandwiches throughout the year.
Having frozen local corn on hand means you can enjoy the taste of summer even during the coldest winter months.
Eggplant: A Versatile Summer Favorite
Eggplant thrives during the hottest days of summer, developing tender flesh and a rich, creamy texture. Whether you’re cooking traditional Italian dishes or trying something new, it’s one of the season’s most versatile vegetables.
Enjoy It Fresh
- Grill thick slices brushed with olive oil.
- Bake classic Eggplant Parmesan.
- Roast for smoky baba ganoush.
- Add cubes to ratatouille, pasta, curries, or grain bowls.
Preserve the Harvest
Eggplant can easily be prepared for later use.
- Roast slices and freeze for quick weeknight meals.
- Blanch cubes before freezing for soups and stews.
- Pickle eggplant with herbs, garlic, and vinegar for a flavorful antipasto.
- Roast and puree for freezer-ready baba ganoush.
Stock Your Pantry with Summer
Preserving fresh produce isn’t just about filling shelves—it’s about capturing a moment in time. Every jar of tomato sauce, every bag of frozen sweet corn, and every roasted eggplant tucked into the freezer brings the taste of a New Jersey summer back to your table months later.
Whether you’re canning for the first time or simply freezing a few extra vegetables, preserving the harvest helps reduce food waste, stretches your grocery budget, and lets you enjoy local flavor long after the growing season ends.
So visit your favorite farmers market, stop by one of our farm markets, or spend a morning picking your own produce. Fill your basket while these summer favorites are at their peak, and don’t forget to save a little for later.
Because nothing tastes quite like summer…especially in the Garden State!
