July 10th 2021

We know you’ve heard the term “Jersey Tomatoes” before, but what makes this delicious variety so famous across the nation? We'll break it down for you here.

The Soil

Soil conditions in Jersey are ideal for growing tomatoes. There is ­plenty of loam and sandy loam soils throughout the state, which provide for the absolute best for tomato production!

The Freshness

Most of the classic Jersey tomatoes are grown by smaller, local family-owned farms (aka probably not what’s being sold at big-name grocers). These delicious fruits are vine-ripened, picked, and have a relatively short shelf-life. Fresh is best!

The Timeline

New Jersey Tomatoes, once planted, take anywhere from 70 to 90 days to mature to the point of picking. This generally means that we are able to enjoy the famous fruits from mid-July through the first half of October!

In addition to our famous tomatoes, you may also be familiar with Jersey Corn; so sweet and tasty that you rarely need any butter or salt. So, again, what makes this produce item so notable? Here’s why:

The Soil

Corn loves New Jersey’s clay, fertile, and well-drained soil.

The Sweetness

What makes New Jersey’s corn so sweet, anyway? Actually, most of Jersey’s corn, called Silver Queen, is a hybrid that slows down the conversion of sugar to starch. Once the corn is harvested, the sugar turns!

The Size

A classic ear of Jersey corn is about 10 inches long with each kernel as full as can be!

So, where can you buy this award-winning Jersey produce? These are a couple of our favorite local spots:

Duckie’s Farm Market

West Cape May Farmers’ Market (Tuesdays)

Enfin Farms

Central Park Farm