2024 Long Island, New York Eggplant U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick Orchards in Long Island, New York in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for eggplants that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have eggplants farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Suffolk County

• Doug Cooper - U pick vegetables: tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, beans, peppers, eggplants, okra.
  2200 Breakwater Road, Mattituck, NY 11952. Phone: 631-298-5195. Click here for a map and directions. (UPDATED: September 09, 2016)
• Fritz Lewin Farms - apples, broad beans, corn (sweet), eggplants, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, and prepicked produce
  1989 Sound Avenue, Baiting Hollow, NY 11933. Phone: 631-727-3346. Directions: Take exit 71 off the l.i.e \(Long Island Expressway\) Make left off the exit onto Edwards Ave. Go straight down Edwards Ave. about 4 miles till you get to the corner of Sound Avenue, make left onto Sound Ave. then we are 14 mile down on the left side. \(BIG RED BARN\) . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 8 am to 4 pm for pick your own and 8 am to 6 pm for the farm stand; 7 days a week but CALL BEFORE YOU GO - if crops aren't ready, they appear to close for the dayTake exit 71 off the l.i.e (Long Island Expressway) Make left off the exit onto Edwards Ave. Go straight down Edwards Ave. about 4 miles till you get to the corner of Sound Avenue, make left onto Sound Ave. then we are 1/4 mile down on the left side. (BIG RED BARN) See comments about this farm here!
• Hodun Farms - strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants,
  4070 Middle Country Road, Calverton, NY . Phone: 631-369-3533. Email: hodunfarms@optonline.net. Open: June-October 7 days a week 8 am to 6 pm; be sure to call or email before going. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. In June we have pick your own strawberries. From August to October, we have pick your own tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (these pick by the bushel only).
• Lewin Farms - apples, blackberries, blueberries, eggplants, nectarines, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (black), strawberries, tomatoes,
  812 Sound Avenue, Wading River, NY 11792. Phone: 631-929-4327. Open: PYO fields open until 4:30pm , 9 am to 4:30 pm Subject to season and availability, weather permitting; All PYO usually open both weekend days, call ahead, especially for weekdays, depends on crop and year; Farm stand is open everyday except Tuesday 9-5pm. Directions: LIE exit 68 North William Floyd Parkway, right to 25A, 3 lights, Left onto Sound Avenue, 1 mile on right 4 miles to Sound Ave., 14 mile on left - Note, a visitor says the pick your own apples are on Fresh Pond Avenue, not Sound Avenue. The farm is huge and apparently covers several towns, including Calverton and Wading river. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Lewin Farms Facebook page. PYO fields open until 4:30pm , 9 am to 4:30 pm Subject to season and availability, weather permitting; All PYO usually open both weekend days, call ahead, especially for weekdays, depends on crop and year; Farm stand is open everyday (except Tuesday) 9-5pm. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesLIE exit 68 North William Floyd Parkway, right to 25A, 3 lights, Left onto Sound Avenue, 1 mile on right 4 miles to Sound Ave., 1/4 mile on left - Note, a visitor says the pick your own apples are on Fresh Pond Avenue, not Sound Avenue. The farm is huge and apparently covers several towns, including Calverton and Wading river From Late July-October we have our own Roasted Corn for sale on the weekends at the farm stand. We were the first pick your own farm on Long Island, and we are continuing this tradition with pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, apples, corn maze, pumpkins and cut your own Christmas trees. They also carry a full line of farm fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at their huge farmstand. Facebook page. Typical dates for PYO are: Strawberries in June, Blueberries in July; Peaches from Middle of July through the middle of September, Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant in late August through late October, Apples from late August through late October, Pumpkins from the end of September through October, and Christmas trees from day after Thanksgiving to Christmas. Farm stand opens Memorial Day Weekend and the normal business hours for farm market store are 9 am to 5 pm for Spring, Summer and into October. November (closes at 4pm). Our farm stand offers a full line of fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of these are grown on our farm. We also get other local Long Island produce and honey from nearby farms to bring you the freshest quality locally grown produce possible. They now have an ATM machine in the farm stand for your convenience.
  Comments from a visitor on June 13, 2011: "After calling both May's and Lewin's, I found that neither farm is offering pick-your-own strawberries this year, although May's is selling strawberries at their stand."/span>See comments about this farm here!
• May's Farm Stand - strawberries, peas, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, string beans, eggplants,
  6361 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792. Phone: 631-929-6654. Email: info@maysfarmny.com. Open: 9 am to 6 pm, daily May-October. Directions: Mays Farm is located on Rt. 25A in Wading River, about 1 mile east of William Floyd Parkway. Take the LIE \(Rt. 495\) to exit 68 William Floyd Parkway north , or take Sunrise Highway to exit 58 north William Floyd Parkway. Go north on William Floyd Parkway to the end \(RT. 25A\) Turn right on Rt. 25A and we are one mile up on the right hand side. U-pick strawberries in late May and June; and peas start in late June; peppers, tomatoes, string beans and eggplant August and September; fresh far - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate Phone: 631-965-3391 Mays Farm is located on Rt. 25A in Wading River, about 1 mile east of William Floyd Parkway. Take the LIE (Rt. 495) to exit 68 William Floyd Parkway north , or take Sunrise Highway to exit 58 north William Floyd Parkway. Go north on William Floyd Parkway to the end (RT. 25A) Turn right on Rt. 25A and we are one mile up on the right hand side. U-pick strawberries in late May and June; and peas start in late June; peppers, tomatoes, string beans and eggplant August and September; fresh farm produce, call to confirm. Come and spend a few hours at the farm with your family. Go out into our pumpkin patch and find the perfect pumpkin. We offer tractor drawn hayrides and challenge you to try to find your way through May's Amazing Corn Maze. In our fields, we grow many varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, melons, cucumbers, squash, string beans, pumpkins, and much more. We sell these at our farm stand 7 days a week, as well as at two local farmers markets from July through October. One of these is located in Port Jefferson, at the ferry parking lot on Thursdays from 10-4. The other is in Patchogue, on Montauk Highway, 500 feet west of RT. 112. This market is located in the 7-11 parking lot, on the north side of the street on Fridays from 8-1. We accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program Checks, as well as cash, at both farmers markets. In June we open our fields for Strawberry and Sweet Pea Picking In October, we feature Pumpkin Picking, along with a corn maze, hayrides, pony rides and much more.
  Comments from a visitor on June 13, 2011: "After calling both May's and Lewin's, I found that neither farm is offering pick-your-own strawberries this year, although May's is selling strawberries at their stand.

 

Eggplant

Eggplant Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Most people are familiar with the large roundish dark purple/black eggplant used in making Eggplant Parmesan. But there are many other varieties with many uses. Here's what you need to know about eggplants, how to choose them, how to harvest them and how to use them!

Know when to harvest eggplant:

•  Size and Color: Most eggplant varieties are typically harvested when they reach a mature size and have developed a deep, glossy color. The skin should be uniformly colored, whether it's purple, green, or white, depending on the variety.
•  Texture: Gently press your finger against the eggplant's skin. Ripe eggplants should feel firm but slightly yield to pressure. Avoid eggplants that have soft spots or are overly mushy.
•  Shiny Skin: Ripe eggplants have a shiny appearance, indicating that they are ready for harvest.

How to harvest eggplants

•  Tools: To harvest eggplants, you'll need a pair of sharp garden shears or a knife.
•  Stems: Look for the stem attached to the eggplant. It should be firm and green. Avoid harvesting eggplants with dry or withered stems.
•  Cutting: Hold the eggplant near the stem and carefully cut it off using the shears or a knife. Leave a short portion of the stem attached to the fruit. Make sure not to damage the eggplant or nearby foliage during the process.
•   Sharp parts: watch out for the pointy edges at the base of the stem.  They are SHARP!
•  Quantity: Harvest one eggplant at a time, or if you have multiple ripe fruits, you can harvest them in a single session.

Storing eggplant

• Handling: Handle harvested eggplants with care to avoid bruising or damage. Place them gently in a basket or container to prevent them from being squished or bumped around.
• Storage: If you're not using the eggplants immediately, store them in a cool, dry place, such as the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, but usually no longer, when properly stored. Avoid washing the eggplants before storing, as moisture can promote spoilage.
• Culinary uses: Once harvested, the eggplants are ready to be enjoyed in various recipes. From grilling and roasting to stir-fries and bakes, there are numerous delicious dishes to explore with freshly harvested eggplants.

Remember, it's essential to harvest eggplants at the right time to ensure optimal flavor and texture. By paying attention to the size, color, texture, and stem condition, you can confidently harvest ripe and flavorful eggplants for your culinary delights.

Varieties and Types of Eggplant

The most common types of eggplants and their uses are:

1.  Globe Eggplant: The globe eggplant is the most common variety and is known for its large, round shape and glossy purple skin. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Globe eggplants are versatile and can be used in various dishes, including stews, curries, stir-fries, and grilled preparations.
   
   
2. Japanese Eggplant: Japanese eggplants are long and slender with dark purple skin and a tender, delicate flavor. They have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste compared to the globe variety. Japanese eggplants are perfect for stir-fries, tempura, roasting, or grilling. Due to their thin skin, they cook quickly and can be used in recipes that require less cooking time.
    
   
3.  Italian Eggplant: Also known as the "baby eggplant" or "aubergine," Italian eggplants are small-sized with deep purple skin and a rich, slightly bitter taste. They have a firm texture and hold their shape well when cooked, making them ideal for grilling, roasting, or stuffing. They are commonly used in Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille, caponata, or eggplant Parmesan.
    
   
4. Thai Eggplant: Thai eggplants come in various colors and sizes, including green, white, or striped varieties. They are small and round, similar to cherry tomatoes. Thai eggplants have a slightly bitter taste and firm texture. They are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in curries, stir-fries, and spicy salads.
    
5. Indian Eggplant: Indian eggplants, also known as "brinjals" or "baingan," have a small to medium size and come in different shapes and colors, such as round, elongated, or striped varieties. They have a slightly bitter taste and a dense, meaty texture. Indian eggplants are frequently used in traditional Indian recipes like baingan bharta (roasted and mashed eggplant), curries, pickles, or stuffed dishes.
    
6.  White Eggplant: White eggplants have a unique appearance with creamy white skin. They are similar in shape and size to the globe variety but have a slightly milder taste. White eggplants are often used in dishes where their color stands out, such as stir-fries, casseroles, or salads. They can also be grilled or baked for a subtle and elegant presentation.
   

 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers