The New Jersey Department of Agriculture highlighted Jersey Fresh tomato season as part of National Farmers Market Week on Monday afternoon, August 7, with special visits to the shore towns of Wildwood, Atlantic City and Seaside Heights where NJDA marketing staff was on hand to distribute free Jersey Fresh grape tomatoes to beachgoers.
“New Jersey is well known for producing great tasting tomatoes with a flavor that is unmatched,” NJDA Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison III said. “The grape tomatoes we are distributing can be eaten as a delicious and nutritious snack immediately or be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. We encourage everyone to purchase Jersey Fresh tomatoes and other Jersey Fresh produce throughout the growing season.”
The tomatoes were available beginning at 11:30 a.m. as long as as supplies lasted, at the end of East Schellenger Avenue at the boardwalk near Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, at the end of St. James Avenue in Atlantic City, and near the end of Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights.
New Jersey is annually among the top 10 producers of tomatoes in the United States. In 2021, New Jersey had a production value of $19 million for tomatoes, according to the USDA, when Garden State farmers harvested 56 million pounds of tomatoes on 2,900 acres.
The tomato season for New Jersey lasts through the end of October. Go to www.FindJerseyFresh.com to see where Jersey Fresh tomatoes are available locally and to find recipes that include delicious Jersey Fresh tomatoes.
National Farmers Market Week is August 6-12.
