U-pick blueberry farms to visit this summer at the Shore
Strawberry season is drawing to an end in New Jersey, but don't feel blue because blueberries are just around the corner.
From June through August, Jersey Shore farms will be ripe for the picking with these juicy jewels.
Whether you're baking blueberry pie, shaking a blueberry mojito or simply craving the freshest fruit, check out these U-pick farms this summer at the Shore.
Champion U-Pick Blueberry Farm, Whiting
Opening dates for blueberry picking have not yet been announced, but depending on weather, it will start sometime in June.
Picking is unlimited, and $2 per pound. The farm prefers people to bring their own containers. Be sure to come prepared: Wear boots or proper footwear, light clothes and bug spray.
Open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day of the week, but call ahead to ensure availability. The farm is closed when it rains.
Go: 60 Cherry St.; 732-350-4467, facebook.com/ChampionBlueberries.
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Emery's Farm, New Egypt
Twenty acres of this 60-acre farm are dedicated to blueberries, usually available for U-pick from mid-June through July.
The farm offers different varieties including the firmer, high yielding Duke; the aromatic Blueray, which is great for sweet desserts; the firm yet aromatic Bluecrop; the slightly acidic Darrow, which is great for tart desserts; and the large and juicy Chandler, which is great for snacking.
Entry is $4 for those 3 years and older (free for those under 3); U-pick blueberries are $3 per pound. Hayrides are available some weekends, holidays and busier days. Emery's asks that all visitors dress accordingly, with proper footwear (preferably old shoes you don't mind getting dirty), light clothes and a hat.
No bags, backpacks, purses, strollers or wagons are allowed in the U-pick fields.
Go: 346 Long Swamp Road; 609-758-8514, emerysfarm.com/blueberries.
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Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
The U-pick blueberry fields will officially open Saturday, June 29. Admission costs $5 per person, cash only; kids 1 and under are free.
Eight different varieties of blueberries will be available throughout the season at $4 per half pound, $6 per pound, $17 for 3 pounds and $32 for 6 pounds. Clamshell packages will be available for blueberry pickers, but they must be fully sealed for purchase, otherwise you may be asked to purchase a second container.
Happy Day also offers fresh-squeezed lemonade and shaved ices. Goats and chickens are available for feeding. There's a paintball gallery on Saturdays and Sundays.
Lavender picking starts Saturday, June 8, for $15 per person, $8 per bundle. Raspberry picking also begins June 8; $5 per person, $4 per half pound or $6 per pound.
Sunflower and zinnia picking will take place Wednesday, July 3, through Sunday, Aug. 25. Admission was not decided by press time, but sunflowers are $2.50 per stem, zinnias are two for $1.
A tractor ride to and from the fields is included with admission. The farm recommends bringing your own bucket of water for flower transport, and cutting shears (available with a $10 refundable deposit).
Go: 106 Iron Ore Road; 732-977-3607, https://www.happydayfarmnj.com.
Other U-pick spots to check out
Battleview Orchards in Freehold Township doesn't have blueberries, but they do have U-pick strawberries this season while supplies last. The farm will be shifting to sour cherry picking in mid-June, peach and nectarine picking July through August, and apple picking (what they're famous for) in the fall. Go: 91 Wemrock Road; 732-462-0756, battlevieworchards.com.
Hallock's U-Pick Farm in New Egypt also isn't known for blueberries, but they seemingly have everything else that grows in a garden: Strawberries are available now; peas in June; cabbage, beans, beets, pickles, cucumber, squash and swiss chard June through August; tomatoes July through fall. More offerings are available here. Go: 38 Fischer Road.; 609-758-8847, hallocksupick.com/pick-your-own.
U Pick Blueberry Farm in Lanoka Harbor is closed until mid-June. Opening day is still being determined, based on weather conditions. Once the fields are open, they will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until blueberries run out. Blueberries cost $3.25 per pound. Follow their Facebook for opening dates and more information. Go: 611 Route 9; facebook.com/youpickblueberrypatch.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: U-pick blueberries and more at these Jersey Shore farms
