New Jersey does not just grow excellent blueberries. The Garden State helped create the cultivated blueberry enjoyed around the world today.

In 1916, agricultural pioneer Elizabeth Coleman White and USDA botanist Frederick Coville produced and marketed the first commercial crop of cultivated highbush blueberries at Whitesbog in Burlington County. The historic farm is now preserved as Whitesbog Historic Village, while nearby Hammonton proudly celebrates its reputation as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”

The blueberry became New Jersey’s official state fruit in 2004, and Rutgers University continues the state’s berry-growing legacy through the Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension.

Blueberries were New Jersey’s most valuable crop in 2025. Garden State farmers harvested nearly 50 million pounds across 10,900 acres, creating an estimated production value of $94.4 million. New Jersey also consistently ranks among the country’s leading blueberry-producing states.

Whether you want to pick your own berries, bring home a blueberry pie or raise a glass of blueberry wine, here is your guide to enjoying New Jersey blueberry season.

New Jersey blueberry season generally begins in mid-June, reaches its peak in July and continues into early August. Weather and blueberry varieties can move the schedule forward or backward from year to year.

Early varieties such as Duke and Patriot typically ripen first. Jersey and Elliott blueberries are among the later varieties that may extend the season into August or, at some farms, early September.

Because ripe berries can be picked quickly—and rain or extreme heat may close fields—always check a farm’s website, social media page or recorded phone message before leaving home.

Picking berries is optional. Eating them is not.

Several New Jersey farm markets are known for bakery cases filled with fruit pies and other seasonal treats:

Blueberry pies may sell out during peak weekends, so calling ahead is wise—especially when you are hoping to bring one to a summer gathering.

For a frozen taste of summer, look for Hammonton blueberry ice cream at Royale Crown Homemade Ice Cream and Grille in Hammonton.

Farther north, Mackey’s Orchard in Belvidere has offered blueberry cheesecake and other seasonal homemade ice cream flavors.

Flavors and supplies rotate, so confirm the day’s menu before making a special trip.

Blueberries also turn up in muffins, scones, honey, preserves and other locally made products across the state. Places that have featured berry-inspired specialties include:

Think of this as a berry treasure hunt: inventory may change, but that is part of the fun.

New Jersey growers and beverage makers have found plenty of ways to put the state fruit into a glass.

Blueberry wines and sangrias have been produced by several South Jersey wineries, including:

Offerings have included blueberry Moscato, blueberry port-style wine, sangria and fruit wines made with Jersey-grown berries.

Seasonal blueberry beers have also appeared at New Jersey breweries such as:

Since craft beer lists change frequently, check the current tap list before heading out.

New Jersey distilleries have experimented with blueberry brandy, liqueur, rum and vodka. Producers associated with blueberry-flavored spirits include:

Visitors should verify current tasting-room hours and product availability. These stops are for adults 21 and older, with a designated driver always the best pairing.

New Jersey offers blueberry picking from the Pine Barrens to the northern hills. Farm procedures vary: some require reservations, some provide containers, some accept only cash and others charge admission in addition to the berries.

Located in the heart of the Pine Barrens, DiMeo Farms offers pick-your-own blueberries and sells blueberry plants for home gardens.

The farm grows numerous heirloom varieties, and picking is generally available by appointment during the summer. Visitors should review current reservation, payment and pet policies before arriving.

This family-operated Hammonton farm has been growing blueberries for more than 55 years.

Blueberry Bill Farms generally offers pick-your-own berries during its summer harvest and sells fresh berries through early August, depending on availability. Frozen blueberries and berry plants may also be available outside the picking season.

Clement Blueberry Farm traditionally offers pick-your-own blueberries during June and July.

The farm has not typically charged a separate admission fee, although visitors pay for the fruit they pick. Check directly for current hours, pricing and crop conditions.

At Haines Berry Farm, visitors may find both pick-your-own and pre-picked berries, along with blueberry jams, syrups, sauces and other farm-made specialties.

Wagon transportation to the fields may be available on certain days.

Johnson’s Corner Farm offers a full farm-day experience with seasonal produce picking, family activities and a market.

Blueberry picking generally begins in June and may continue into summer, depending on conditions. Reservations or picking tickets may be required.

Walking Bird Farm typically offers early-season blueberry picking from mid-June into July.

The farm also grows other berries, allowing repeat visitors to return for strawberries or blackberries during their respective seasons.

Mood’s Farm Market generally offers blueberry picking from mid-June into summer.

The farm is also known for seasonal baked goods and special blueberry events, although dates and activities change annually.

Emery’s Farm devotes a substantial portion of its acreage to highbush blueberries.

Visitors may walk or ride to the fields to pick varieties such as Duke, Bluecrop, Blueray, Darrow and Chandler. The farm market is also a popular stop for blueberry pies, pastries, jams and preserves.

Although perhaps best known for apples and wine, Terhune Orchards also offers pick-your-own blueberries during early and midsummer.

The farm combines picking with animals, a market, children’s activities, winery offerings and seasonal festivals. Check the daily picking update before visiting.

Snyder’s Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own hours, often on weekends.

Blueberry availability can change quickly because of weather and the number of visitors. The farm recommends checking its current update before traveling. VisitNJ includes Snyder’s among its recommended New Jersey blueberry-picking destinations.

Von Thun’s grows several pick-your-own crops and generally offers blueberries during early summer.

The farm often concludes its blueberry season with family activities that may include hayrides, food vendors, games and blueberry treats.

Happy Day Farm grows eight blueberry varieties across approximately 10 acres.

The farm provides containers for the berries, and not every variety is available throughout the entire season. Visitors should review the farm’s picking rules and same-day updates before heading out.

Phillips Farms typically offers blueberry picking from late June through summer, depending on crop conditions.

Call before visiting for the day’s availability and stop at the farm market for produce, flowers and garden plants.

Alstede Farms offers a large pick-your-own program with fruits, vegetables and flowers ripening throughout the year.

Blueberries are generally available from late June through early August. Admission packages and reservations may be required, so check the farm’s harvest calendar first.

At Stony Hill Farms, blueberries are usually ready in July and August.

The farm’s admission or picking package may include a container of berries. Visitors can return during other seasons for apples, pumpkins, raspberries and flowers.

Blueberries generally begin Treelicious Orchards’ pick-your-own season in late June.

Visitors can make a day of it with a picnic, and the business also operates a bakery and farm market in Hackettstown. Check current rules before bringing pets or outside food.

No patience for wandering through a field? Fresh-picked New Jersey blueberries are widely available at farm stands, community farmers markets and grocery stores carrying the Jersey Fresh label.

Possible stops include:

The Jersey Fresh program promotes produce grown in New Jersey and helps shoppers identify locally harvested fruit and vegetables.

Look for berries that are completely blue or deep bluish-purple. Berries with red or green patches are not fully ripe.

Unlike some fruits, blueberries do not continue to ripen significantly after being picked.

A ripe blueberry should roll away from the stem with a light touch. Pulling or squeezing can damage both the berry and the plant.

Some farms provide buckets or clamshells, while others encourage visitors to bring containers for carrying berries home. Never assume outside baskets are permitted in the field.

Wear closed-toe shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat. Fields may be dusty, muddy or uneven, and blueberries have a talent for leaving evidence on light-colored clothing.

Blueberry fields usually offer little shade. Pack sunscreen, water and insect repellent, particularly when visiting farms in or near the Pine Barrens.

Visitors with mobility concerns should ask about the distance to the fields, terrain, wagon transportation, seating and accessible restrooms before traveling.

Keep fresh blueberries dry and refrigerate them soon after returning home. Wash only the amount you plan to eat or cook with immediately, since excess moisture speeds spoilage.

From the pioneering work at Whitesbog to today’s farms, markets, wineries and bakeries, blueberries remain a delicious piece of New Jersey history.

Pick them straight from the bush, fold them into pancakes, bring home a pie or simply eat them by the handful. Just remember the most important rule of blueberry season: always pick—or buy—a little more than you think you need.