Jun 3, 2022

Jersey Fresh event highlights N.J. strawberry crop

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture visited Bonacorsi’s Family Farm in Frenchtown in Hunterdon County to highlight the Jersey Fresh strawberry picking season.

“Jersey Fresh strawberries can be picked ripe and ready to consume as their taste is second to none,” New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Secretary Douglas Fisher said in a news release. “The strawberry season is a short one, so I encourage everyone to enjoy this sweet fruit while it lasts as more Jersey Fresh produce becomes available in the days and weeks to follow.”

Jersey Fresh strawberries are available now at community farmers markets, local farm stands and pick-your-own farms around the state. Harvesting began in early May and should continue through June. While the southern sections of the state may only have two or three weeks of strawberry picking remaining, many locations in northern sections of the state are open now or are expected to be any day.

Bonacorsi Family Farm grows five acres of assorted strawberries, including newer varieties like Rutgers Scarlet and traditional favorites like Earliglo and Sparkle.

“Our strawberries are one of the most anticipated crops of the season, and our customers can’t wait to pick them once we open,” said Sam Bonacorsi, owner of Bonacorsi Family Farm with his wife, Laura. “Our advantage as a strictly local farm is that our fruit does not have to undergo rough handling or long journeys, so we are able to focus on selecting our fruit for best flavors, and only offer top quality.”

Bonacorsi Family Farm’s berries are available at their pick-your-own strawberry field location and already picked at their roadside stand in Flemington.  The Bonacorsi’s are a third-and-fourth generation farming family and have been in Hunterdon County since 2008. The family also grows 70 different varieties of modern day and heirloom apples, along with peaches, tart cherries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries and vegetables.

To find Jersey Fresh strawberries, recipes that use strawberries, and other Jersey Fresh products at farm markets or pick-your-own farms, visit www.findjerseyfresh.com.