Wondering where to get fresh produce in NJ this summer? The answer is an easy one: Livoti’s Old World Market! There’s a reason New Jersey is known as the Garden State. From sun-ripened tomatoes to world-famous blueberries, NJ farms turn out some of the best summer produce in the country. At Livoti’s, we’re proud to bring local, just-picked flavor straight to your kitchen table. Fresh, local produce simply tastes better, supports nearby growers and farms, and reaches you and your family at peak ripeness. Here’s your guide to the summer fruits and vegetables that define the season in NJ, and exactly where to find them.
Which Summer Fruits and Vegetables are Grown in NJ?
New Jersey may be small, but our diverse soils and mild coastal climate make us one of the top ten produce-growing states in the nation. Every fruit and vegetable below is grown right here in NJ, and you’ll find each one fresh and in season at your local Livoti’s Old World Market.
Jersey Tomatoes
No summer crop is more iconic. The “Jersey tomato” is practically a state treasure, prized for the juicy, sweet-tart flavor that comes from NJ’s sandy loam soil and warm days. Field-grown tomatoes hit their peak from July through September. Look for them by the basket at Livoti’s for sandwiches, sauces, salads, and more.
Corn
Sweet corn is a NJ summer staple, harvested at its sugary best from midsummer into early fall. Local corn is best eaten the same day it’s picked, which is exactly why buying close to the farm matters. Grab a few ears at Livoti’s for the grill or a classic summer corn salad.
Cherries
Early summer brings sweet and tart cherries to NJ farm stands and orchards. Their short season makes them a treat worth catching, whether eaten by the handful or baked into a pie.
Cucumbers
Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers thrive in NJ’s summer heat and are harvested from late June through September. They’re perfect for slicing, pickling, or tossing in salads, with Livoti’s keeping them fresh all season long.
Zucchini
This versatile summer squash grows abundantly across the state from late June onward. Mild and quick-cooking, zucchini is a favorite for grilling, sautéing, and baking into breads. Find it ready to take home at Livoti’s.
New Jersey Blueberries
NJ holds a special place in blueberry history: the very first cultivated highbush blueberry was grown here in 1916 in Whitesbog, thanks to the pioneering work of Elizabeth White and USDA botanist Frederick Coville. Today, the Garden State remains one of the nation’s top blueberry producers, with Jersey berries ripening from June through mid-July. Grab a pint at Livoti’s for flavor you won’t forget!
Peaches
Many people are surprised to learn that NJ ranks among the nation’s top peach producers, usually landing in the top five. Juicy Jersey peaches (mostly yellow-fleshed) are available from late June into September. They’re delicious fresh, grilled, or baked into a cobbler, and you’ll find them at Livoti’s all summer long.
Plums
Plums are a lesser-known gem of the NJ summer. Local orchards grow both sweet and tart varieties that ripen through the warmer months. With their rich color and honeyed flavor, they’re great for snacking or baking.
What to Do With NJ Produce This Summer
With so much fresh produce in season, the hardest part is choosing what to make. Whether you’re putting together a fruit salad or just looking to add something local and healthy to your diet, we have you covered. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy NJ produce in the summer:
- Stack a classic Jersey tomato sandwich with thick slices, flaky salt, and good bread – check out our bakery for everything from classic semolina to artisan Asiago.
- Grill corn, zucchini, and peaches together for a smoky summer side.
- Toss cucumbers and tomatoes with olive oil and fresh herbs for a quick, no-cook salad.
- Bake blueberries, plums, or cherries into a crisp, cobbler, or pie. This is a great crowd-pleaser for summer BBQs and graduation parties!
- Blend peaches and berries into smoothies or spoon them over morning yogurt.
Benefits of Eating Seasonally
Eating seasonally means choosing fruits and vegetables when they’re naturally ready to harvest in your region. In the summer, this practice would include all the fruits and vegetables listed above. The benefits of eating seasonally are real – seasonal produce is picked at peak ripeness, so it tastes better and often holds more nutrients than out-of-season produce. Since you’re grabbing it during its peak abundance, you pay less while supporting local NJ farmers. Eating seasonally also reduces your personal carbon footprint, because the produce you purchase didn’t have to travel far to get to your plate. Put simply, eating with the seasons is better for your health, your wallet, and your community.
Where Does Farm Fresh Produce at Livoti’s Come From?
At Livoti’s, fresh is a promise. We purchase and receive fresh, local produce six days a week. Working with local growers like the family at Twin Pond Farm allows us to bring just-picked fruits and vegetables to our shelves. You can even go behind the scenes at the farm to learn more about this special partnership and see where the fruits and vegetables in your cart came from. Working directly with local farms means a shorter trip from field to store, better flavor, and produce you can feel good about putting on the table.
Farm Fresh Produce Near Me at Livoti’s Old World Market
When you’re searching for farm-fresh produce near you, Livoti’s Old World Market is the easy answer. Our offerings include local NJ favorites, a wide variety of Certified Organic fruits and vegetables, and countless prepared produce items (think artfully prepared salads, zucchini noodles, and more). With a quick trip to our store or an online Instacart order, summer cooking is simple. Visit us in Aberdeen, Brick, Freehold, Marlboro, or Middletown to taste the Garden State at its best. We can’t wait to see you at Livoti’s Old World Market this summer!
