New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher will be visiting Larchmont Farms in Salem County on Thursday, June 29, to showcase the arrival of Jersey Fresh peaches.
Larchmont Farms, situated in Upper Pittsgrove Township, is currently in the early stages of its peach harvest, making it an ideal location to highlight the availability of Jersey Fresh peaches.
Owned by Tom Dunn and Charles and Keith Haines, Larchmont Farms is a 12th-generation farm spanning over 900 acres. The farm specializes in growing high-quality peaches and other fruits. Notably, Larchmont Farms prides itself on its environmentally friendly practices, utilizing solar power for its entire operations. Additionally, all of the farm’s fruit is packed in boxes made from 100 percent recycled paper.
New Jersey holds a prominent position as one of the nation’s leading peach growers, consistently ranking among the top five in production, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. With nearly 4,000 acres dedicated to peach cultivation, the state’s producers annually harvest approximately 60 million pounds of peaches, valued at around $35 million wholesale.
The Jersey peach season kicks off with the Sentry variety, followed by Gala, Flavorcrest, Loring, and Red Haven. Subsequently, the John Boy season begins, succeeded by Crest Haven, Gloria, Jersey Queen, and Fayette varieties. The Encore and Laurol varieties conclude New Jersey’s peach season in mid- to late-September. White peaches are also anticipated to start shipping by the end of July and continue through mid-September.
New Jersey is known for its delicious peaches, and there are several peach picking farms across the state where you can enjoy the experience of picking your own fruit. Here are some popular peach picking farms in New Jersey:
- Johnson’s Corner Farm – Located in Medford, Johnson’s Corner Farm offers peach picking during the summer season. They have a wide variety of peaches to choose from, and you can also enjoy other farm activities and attractions.
- Alstede Farms – Situated in Chester, Alstede Farms is a family-friendly destination that offers pick-your-own peaches. They have a large selection of peach varieties, and visitors can also enjoy hayrides, farm animals, and delicious treats at their farm store.
- Terhune Orchards – Located in Princeton, Terhune Orchards is a picturesque farm that offers peach picking in the summer. They have both yellow and white peaches available, and visitors can also explore their farm market and enjoy homemade pies and other goodies.
- Battleview Orchards – Situated in Freehold, Battleview Orchards is a popular destination for peach picking. They offer a variety of peaches, including white peaches, and also have a farm store where you can purchase other fresh produce and baked goods.
- Wemrock Orchards – Located in Freehold, Wemrock Orchards offers peach picking during the summer months. They have a range of peach varieties available for picking, and visitors can also enjoy homemade ice cream and other treats at their farm store.
It’s always a good idea to check the farm’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on peach picking availability and any specific guidelines or requirements. Additionally, keep in mind that peach picking seasons may vary, so it’s recommended to plan your visit accordingly.
Consumers can find Jersey Fresh peaches at local supermarkets, farmers markets, and roadside stands. To locate where these delectable peaches are available, as well as other Jersey Fresh products, individuals can visit www.findjerseyfresh.com.