Few foods inspire as much Garden State pride as a ripe Jersey tomato.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture recently celebrated Jersey Fresh tomato season by handing out free grape tomatoes to beachgoers in Wildwood, Atlantic City and Seaside Heights. The shore promotion highlighted one of New Jersey’s best-known summer crops and encouraged residents to look for locally grown tomatoes at farm stands, farmers markets and grocery stores.
“New Jersey’s reputation for its great tasting tomatoes is well-earned, and they have a flavor that is unmatched,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said during a recent Jersey Fresh tomato promotion. “We encourage everyone to purchase Jersey Fresh tomatoes and other Jersey Fresh produce throughout the growing season.”
Jersey Tomatoes Are Big Business
New Jersey consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 tomato-producing states. In 2024, Garden State farmers harvested approximately 70 million pounds of tomatoes from 2,500 acres. The crop was valued at nearly $56.5 million, making tomatoes New Jersey’s most valuable principal vegetable crop that year.
Jersey tomato season generally continues through the end of October, giving shoppers plenty of time to enjoy grape, Roma, beefsteak, heirloom and other locally grown varieties. The Jersey Fresh label indicates that produce was grown in New Jersey and meets the state program’s quality standards.
Shoppers can use the Find Jersey Fresh website to locate nearby farms, farm markets and stores carrying locally grown produce.
Need a little inspiration? Here are three flavorful ways to put Jersey tomatoes on the table.
🍅 Jersey Fresh Tomato Pie
This savory tomato pie combines ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs and a rich cheese topping inside a golden pie crust.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 9-inch pie shell
5 Jersey Fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
½ cup sliced leeks, thoroughly rinsed and chopped
¼ cup chopped scallions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt, plus additional salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Place the pie crust in a pie plate, prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Arrange the tomato slices in a colander and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them drain for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer them to paper towels and gently pat away the excess moisture.
Place half of the tomato slices in the prepared pie crust.
Combine the leeks, scallions, basil and garlic in a small bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sprinkle half of the mixture over the tomatoes.
Repeat with the remaining tomato slices and herb mixture.
In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella and Italian seasoning.
Spoon the cheese mixture over the pie and spread it evenly.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the topping is melted and golden.
Let the pie rest briefly before serving warm.
🧀 Cheesy Italian Stuffed Tomatoes
These baked stuffed tomatoes make a simple summer side dish, appetizer or light lunch.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
4 Jersey Fresh tomatoes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Slice the tops from the tomatoes and carefully scoop out some of the seeds and pulp.
Place the tomatoes in a baking dish.
Fill each tomato with shredded mozzarella.
Top with Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and golden.
🍑 Jersey Fresh Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
This colorful summer salad pairs sweet grilled peaches and ripe tomatoes with mozzarella, prosciutto and a drizzle of balsamic glaze and honey.
Ingredients
1 Jersey Fresh peach, pitted and sliced
1 small or medium Jersey Fresh tomato, sliced
3 to 4 slices fresh mozzarella
3 to 4 slices prosciutto
Jersey Fresh baby arugula
Extra-virgin olive oil
Balsamic glaze
Jersey Fresh honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Lightly brush the peach slices with olive oil.
Grill the peaches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove them from the grill and allow them to cool slightly.
Arrange the baby arugula on a serving plate.
Alternate the grilled peaches, tomato slices, mozzarella and prosciutto over the arugula.
Season with salt and pepper.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and honey.
Whether sliced onto a sandwich, tossed into a salad or baked beneath a blanket of melted cheese, Jersey tomatoes are one of the tastiest signs that summer has arrived in the Garden State.