By Linda Arceo
New Jersey’s blueberry season is booming. As the official state fruit for New Jersey, blueberries are plentiful in the Garden State.
Looking for Locally-Sourced
Blueberries?
Visit Hammonton, New Jersey
With 56 blueberry farms, Hammonton, New Jersey, known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World,” is just a short ride up the Atlantic City Expressway. Approximately 80 percent of Jersey’s blueberries come from Hammonton, so you’ll have plenty of options for securing locally-sourced blueberries including produce stands, farmers markets and pick-your-own farms.
Pick-Your-Own at the Shore
If you want to stay a little closer to the shore, take a trip to Littleworth Tree Farm for a true pick-your-own experience. Because quantities are limited, they are currently offering U-Pick times from 7:30 am -10:00 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays via reservation only. Littleworth Farm is located at 1957 Tuckahoe Road, Petersburg, NJ.
Farmer’s Markets at the Shore
Some of our favorite farmers markets to pick up local blueberries include:
Sea Isle City Farmers Market – The Sea Isle City Farmers Market takes place on Tuesday mornings from 8 am to 1 pm and is located at Excursion Park on JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue.
West Cape May Farmers Market – The West Cape May Farmers Market takes place on Tuesday afternoons from 3 pm to 7:30 pm and is located at the West Cape May Municipal Complex at the Backyard Park, 732 Broadway.
Ocean City Farmers Market – The Ocean City Farmers Market takes place in Ocean City on Wednesday mornings from 8 am to 1 pm and is located at the 500 Block of Asbury Avenue (at the Tabernacle) in Ocean City.
Margate Community Farmers Market – The Margate Community Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from 8:30 am to 12 noon and is located at Monroe & Amherst Ave.
Ventnor City Farmers Market – The Ventnor City Farmers Market takes place on Fridays from 8:30 am to 12 noon and is located at Atlantic and Newport avenues in Ventnor City.
Brigantine Farmers Market – The Brigantine Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 noon and is located at the Brigantine Community School parking lot (Sheridan Boulevard side).
Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market – The Farmers Market in Wildwood takes plae on Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12:30 pm and is located at Byrne Plaza at 3400 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Wildwood.
What to Make with
Locally-Sourced Blueberries?
Blueberry Simple Syrup is my go-to recipe during blueberry season. This quick and easy syrup can be used in so many different ways and adds the perfect summer taste to your favorite dishes and drinks.
Blueberry Simple Syrup
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 20-30 mins
Ingredients
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Put the blueberries, sugar and water into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
Add vanilla and lemon juice and continue to boil, stirring often, until syrup is thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Using a fine mesh strainer, strain mixture into a heat-proof bowl. Press down on the blueberries to fully extract all of the syrup from the mixture.
Transfer mixture to a mason jar or syrup bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Add blueberry simple syrup to your favorite cocktail or mocktail, as a topping for your pancakes, ice cream or dessert and it can also be added to your favorite marinades and salad dressings.
Linda Arceo is the owner and content creator behind the food, drink and travel blog Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps. Linda is a digital influencer and freelance writer focusing on food, travel, lifestyle and culinary tourism. Linda’s blog can be found at www.gigglesgobblesandgulps.com and you can follow her on Instagram at @GigGobGulp.
