Concerned About Cyclospora? Check Out These Great NJ Farms for Local Produce

Worried about Cyclospora infections that have been in the news lately? Many Jersey shoppers are now buying their lettuce and other fruits and vegetables locally whenever they can.

Experts told USA Today that Cyclospora contamination can be linked to the water used to grow or wash produce. While buying local doesn’t eliminate that risk, it can make it easier for shoppers to know exactly where their fruits and vegetables were grown and how they were handled.

Fortunately, in the Garden State, fresh produce doesn’t have to travel far to arrive on our tables. For shoppers choosing to buy local, these family-owned farms and markets across New Jersey are offering an abundance of leafy greens and summer berries.

Abma’s Farm, Wyckoff

For five generations, the Abma family has run this historic 32-acre farm. Today, they grow over 90 varieties of fruits and vegetables, from crops like corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and of course—almost every variety of leafy green imaginable.

Alstede Farms, Chester

Since 1982, the Alstede family has run 600 acres of permanently preserved farmland. While this Chester farm is known for their pick-your-own seasonal fruits and vegetables, their market has an abundant produce selection, homemade ice cream, local honey, and fresh apple cider donuts.

Wightman Farms, Morristown

Over 100 years ago, farmer Albert Wightman sold his harvests from a table under a mulberry tree to Morristown locals. Today, the Wightman Farms market and cider mill (that are located across from that very mulberry tree) are run by third-generation family members and close friends. They sell seasonal homegrown fruits and vegetables in the market along with tickets for pick-your-own experiences.

Lima Family Farms, Hillsborough Township

Founded in 2007 in Hillsborough, Lima Family farms originally launched with a small cattle and poultry operation, but has expanded to 206 acres with a farm store. At the moment, they have strawberries, arugula, tomatoes, and other produce, some inventory from neighboring farms, Martenette Farms in Hillsborough and Rolling Hills Farm in Lambertville.

Melick’s Town Farm, Bridgewater

Melick’s Town Farm’s stand features farm fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies, and cider. While lettuce is out of season for them, they’ve got lettuce in stock from small farms in New York.

Muzzarelli Farms, Vineland

This fourth-generation family farm in Vineland stocks its market with fresh fruit, vegetables, and produce grown on-site. Muzzarelli Farms’ market is open from April until November, with the summer produce including peppers, beans, eggplants, zucchini, herbs, berries, and melons.

Consalo Family Farms, Egg Harbor City

A century ago, farmer William Consalo Sr. would travel over 100 miles every day from Medford to Newark Farmers Market to sell produce. Consalo and his four sons turned his company into a thriving family-run farm. They specialize in blueberries, citrus, wet vegetables, cooking greens, and salad items and can be purchased at regional stores like Harris Teeter and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Rancocas Creek Farm, Southampton Township

This Southampton Township farm owned and protected by the Pinelands Alliance sells chemical-free, regenerative-grown produce through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. They offer 10-week or 21-week seasonal box shares from June through October. Pick ups occur directly on the grounds of the Pineland Alliance in Southampton.

Savoie Organic Farm, Williamstown

Savoie Organic Farm in Williamstown is a certified, organic family farm that sells fresh, chemical-free vegetables and produce. The farm plants over 100 varieties of crops that change by the season, these can be purchased in select producers-only farmer’s markets in South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York City, or direct buffet-style CSA pickups in Williamstown or Cherry Hill.