What's in Season in New Jersey in Summer - Tomatoes

Whether you enjoy snacking on Sungolds or savoring a Brandywine heirloom, the colors, taste and smell of Jersey tomatoes are one of summer’s most splendid treats. Hundreds of tomato varieties grow exceptionally well in our Garden State soil and they’ll be on grand display on farmers’ market tables this season. Grab ’em while they last.

Photo: Ray Painter

It’s a Classic: TOMATO SANDWICH

Take two slices of good bread, paint each side with mayonnaise and layer with sliced Jersey tomatoes. Add a liberal sprinkle of sea salt. Sliced onion and basil leaves optional.

 season: 

July through early October with peak season happening in late July and August.

 at the market: 

Tomatoes are usually sold ripe and ready to eat at local farmers’ markets. Look for deep rich color and smooth, almost shiny skin without dark spots or bruising. With a gentle squeeze, tomatoes should be slightly firm to the touch.

 grow: 

Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. The area should be well-drained, and well-distanced from tree and shrub roots. Keep plants well-watered, with at least 1 inch of water weekly either from rainfall or watering.

 pick: 

Tomatoes can be left on the vine until ripe or picked early and allowed to ripen indoors. A ripe tomato is slightly firm to the touch. If too hard, it likely needs more time to ripen. If too soft, it’s probably over-ripe.

 store: 

Place on counter, stem end up, in a relatively cool place. Avoid placing in direct sunlight. NEVER refrigerate. Refrigeration will damage tomatoes’ flavor and texture.

RUTGERS 250

Name of tomato variety developed by researchers at Rutgers University’s Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2016 in honor of the University’s 250th anniversary. An update of an earlier version developed in the 1930s, the Rutgers 250 is lauded for its “old-fashioned” classic Jersey tomato flavor and texture. A top seller for the Burpee Seed Company.

Source: 2020 Annual Report and Agricultural Statistics, New Jersey Department of Agriculture