New Jersey fruit and vegetable volume over 2022 due in large part to more favorable weather.
“Last year, New Jersey saw a late-spring freeze that affected the harvest of blueberries, peaches and some apple varieties that were in bloom when the cold hit,” said Joe Atchison III, assistant secretary and director of marketing for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. “This year, we are seeing heavy blossoms and fruit set and expect full crops with good availability throughout the season.”
New Jersey grows more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables on about 70,000 acres, Atchison said.
Some of the primary spring vegetables are asparagus, spinach, leafy greens, herbs and lettuces. Jersey also is known for blueberries, peaches, peppers, eggplant, sweet corn, squashes and, especially, Jersey tomatoes in summer.
The state had a mild winter with little to no snowfall across much of the state. Mild temperatures continued into spring, and there were no damaging frosts.
Consalo Family Farms of Egg Harbor City, NJ was able to begin harvesting two to three weeks ahead of schedule because of the warmer weather. Full production of lettuce started in early May, and an early start on blueberries also is expected.
The company also ships Little Smoochies items, including grapefruit, clementines, lemons and limes.
Good quality is reported for radish, parsley, cilantro, spinach and kale.
The company’s volume should be up compared to 2022.
The operation offers a full line of New Jersey produce, which also includes herbs, cooking greens and wet vegetables.