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Nothing says summer in the Garden State like biting into a juicy, tree-ripened Jersey peach. Sweet, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, New Jersey peaches are a true local treasure.
This fruit is so popular it even has its own day! August 27th is National Peach Day – so keep an eye out on your favorite NJ peach farm and see if they have any special events or celebrations.
Why Jersey Peaches Are Special
New Jersey consistently ranks among the top peach-producing states in the U.S. (often 4th nationally), harvesting around 60–66 million pounds annually on roughly 3,000–4,000 acres. All Jersey peaches are hand-picked and sold fresh, no processing here! They ship across the eastern U.S. and Canada, but the best ones are enjoyed right at the source.
Yellow-flesh varieties dominate (about 90%), with white-flesh peaches, nectarines, and flat “doughnut” peaches adding variety. The season typically runs late June through September, with peak picking in July and August. Rutgers NJ Agricultural Experiment Station has developed many standout varieties, ensuring our peaches are flavorful, productive, and resilient.
NJ Peach History
Peaches have deep historical roots in NJ. By the late 1800s, the state had over 4 million peach trees, and Hunterdon County was once a major shipping hub! Unfortunately, the crops would be reduced by a crawling insect called San Jose Scale (SJS) which came into the US from China.
Over the years we have been a top producer of peaches, sometimes coming in as high as the #3 leading producer. In 2025, we came in at #6, with an estimated 11K tons of peaches produced.
| Year | Production (tons) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 11,000 |
| 2024 | 14,700 |
| 2023 | 14,200 |
| 2022 | 8,300 |
| 2021 | 12,600 |
| 2020 | 6,400 |
| 2019 | 17,000 |
| 2018 | 20,200 |
| 2017 | 24,600 |
| 2016 | 18,500 |
| 2015 | 20,300 |
| 2014 | 22,800 |
| 2013 | 19,600 |
| 2012 | 30,000 |
| 2011 | 32,000 |
| 2010 | 36,000 |
| 2009 | 35,000 |
| 2008 | 34,000 |
| 2007 | 32,000 |
Our peak production year was 2010 at 36,000 tons; production has roughly two-thirds declined since then. 2020’s 6,400 tons is a dramatic outlier, that was the year a May frost devastated NJ stone fruit. A similar decline is expected for 2026 due to a late season freeze that is affecting crops.
Despite the decline, NJ still out-produces Michigan and Colorado most years and sits solidly in the top 4–5 peach states nationally.
Peach-Picking Farms in NJ
Many farms offer pick-your-own (PYO) experiences, farm stands, and markets.
For 2026, many farms are struggling due to the freeze we had earlier this year. Some have no peach crops, others a limited quantity – which means you may pay more this year.
Below is a list by county of farms that typically offer peach-picking, with updates for 2026. Any farm that we were able to confirm are offering peach picking (or at least had peaches available) for 2026 are noted with a 🍑.
Even if there are no peaches – please support these local farms in any way you can! Now more than ever they need our support.
Be sure to follow farms on social media for daily updates, especially after variable weather seasons.
Bergen County
- Demarest Farms – 244 Werimus Rd, Hillsdale
🍑 Reservations required, entry fee of $5. Peach picking is now open for the 2026 season.
Burlington County
- Johnson’s Corner Farm – 133 Church Road, Medford
No specific details about whether peaches are available this year. - Robson’s Farm – 33 Rahilly Road, Wrightstown
🍑 Limited pick-your own peach opportunities. They will share availability on their website and social media.
Gloucester County
- Mood’s Farm Market – 901 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze.
Hunterdon County
- Melick’s Town Farm – 472 County Road 513, Califon
🍑 Limited availability of peaches and some peach picking will be available. Follow them on social media for specific picking dates. Farm is open Thu-Sun. $4.99 entry fee for picking. - Phillips Farms – 91 Crabapple Hill Road, Milford (main farm)
No confirmation peaches are available this year. $7 per person admission. Contact farm to confirm availability.
Mercer County
- Hickory Corner Farm – 201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze. - Terhune Orchards – 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze.
Monmouth County
- Battleview Ordhards – 91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze. - Eastmont Orchards – 321 Route 537, Colts Neck
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze.
Morris County
- Alstede Farms – 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
🍑 Peaches available in the farmstand. No confirmation that pick your own is available. Contact farm for more details. - Wightman Farms – 1111 Mt. Kemble Ave, Morristown
🍑 Pick your own peaches and nectarines Saturdays & Sundays from 9-5.
Sussex County
- Pochuck Valley Farm – 962 Route 517, Glenwood
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze.
Warren County
- Stoneyfield Orchard – 5 Orchard Street, Belvidere
Farm lost peach crops due to freeze. - Von Thun Farms – 438 Route 57 West, Washington
Could not confirm if peaches are available this year. $3 admission for picking.
Peach Festivals in NJ
- August 1 at the Community Presbyterian Church of Chester
Peach pies and home-made peach ice-cream. White elephant sale, books, sports equipment, and children’s toys. View details - August 15-16 at Shoppes at Dragon Village in Bridgeton
Vendors, merchants, a farmers market, and Peach Fuzz Baby Contest.
View details - August 16 at the Randolph Museum
Peach iced tea, ice cream and more from Sun High Orchards Farm. Lawn games, history and museum tours. View details
Tips for the Perfect Peach-Picking Adventure
- Best Time: Mid-July to mid-August for peak varieties.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and reusable bags (many farms prefer you bring your own).
- Beyond Picking: Many farms offer hayrides, animal visits, baked goods, and festivals — perfect for families.
- Storage: Let firm peaches ripen at room temperature; refrigerate once ripe for a few days of sweetness.
Whether you’re filling a basket at a U-pick orchard or grabbing a bag at a farm stand, supporting local NJ farms keeps the tradition alive and delivers unbeatable flavor.
If we missed a farm let us know!
