Farm Markets: From the Large to the Small, New Jersey Has it All

Well, I have two great places to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and even desserts. "Delicious Orchards -The Country Food Market" is located on route 34S in Colts Neck, New Jersey. "Delicious Orchards" first started as a roadside stand and is now one of the biggest farm markets in New Jersey. They are open from Tuesday -Sunday, from 10AM to 6PM. Everything you could possibly want is there. From fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses, to freshly baked pies, cookes, and cakes. Specialty coffees and candies are also sold. Their apple cider donuts are infamous, along with their cookie sampler including, chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter, pecan and almond butter crunch. Their cookie sampler makes a great Easter treat because they feature special hand decorated Easter cookies. And I can tell you, they are so yummy! Their fruits and vegetables are so fresh and last so very well. Just to give you an idea of how varied "Delicious Orchards" truly is, here is a list of just some of the different varieties of apples they sell. Braeburn, Cortland, Empire, Fugi, Gingergold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeyscup, Idared, Lady, Macintosh, Macoun, Jerseymac, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Northern Spy, Pacific Beauty, Southern Snap, Stayman/Winesap, Red Delicious, Red Rome, and Royal Gala, are only just some of the apple choices this farm market has to offer. Amazing isn't it? Every time I visit "Delicious Orchards", the parking lot is packed, the shoppers are many, and the feeling of spring is always in the air. Their special apple cider donuts are $10.99 a dozen and worth every cent, while their cookie sampler is $24.99 and impossible to stop eating after one bite. They even sell out of this world applesauce cake and brownies. Their vegetables are always crisp and fresh and well worth the trip. When our local schools and sports clubs have fundraisers," Delicious Orchards" always gets the bid.

Pick your own blueberries? Now, we're talking. This is one of the greatest activities a family can do together.
In our present day economy, more and more people are searching for inexpensive activities families can enjoy.
So, let's stop at the "Earth Friendly Organic Farm" located at 17 Olde Noah Hunt Road, in Clarksburg, New Jersey. It is about 2 miles east of Six Flags. What I like best about this farm is the health benefits you and your family will receive by choosing fresh blueberries that are known to be one of the greatest foods you can consume. They are considered to be nature's most powerful anti-oxident, and to develop a taste for blueberries is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family. Include, the fact, that these are organically grown berries that you can pick yourself, make the "Earth Friendly Organic Farm" a must visit. Remember, you can freeze berries so you can enjoy them even after the growing season is over. Their blueberries are in season from late June through September. In August and September, blackberries and raspberries are ready to be picked. They sell fresh farm eggs daily and garden fresh vegetables in mid-summer. They are open from 8AM-6PM and it is suggested to call ahead. (609-259-9744) When you realize that everything grown here is organic, you can't go wrong with a trip to this farm. Now, for an interesting twist to this story is that "Earth Friendly" was built in 1984 as a solar energy home. It has 8 acres and over 600 blueberry bushes. The current owner, Roz Ressner, bought the farm and opened up a Bed & Breakfast in 2004. If you want a quiet retreat, then you would enjoy spending a night at the "Earth Friendly Organic Farm and Bed and Breakfast."

I hope you will pay a visit to both farms, for they are so very different and a must experience for all! Enjoy!

www.deliciousorchardsnj.com
www.earthfriendlyorganicfarm.com