You know that feeling when you bite into a supermarket blueberry and it’s just… sour water? Or worse, mushy? It’s depressing. Honestly, if you live anywhere near New Egypt, New Jersey, there is zero excuse for that. You have to go to Emery’s Berry Farm.
I’m serious.
Most people think a farm is just a farm, but this place is a local institution for a reason. Located right on Monmouth Road, it’s a 60-acre slice of actual agriculture that hasn't been turned into a housing development yet. Thank goodness for that. It’s family-owned, it’s been around for over half a century, and they grow some of the most insanely sweet highbush blueberries you’ll ever find in the Garden State.
What Makes Emery’s Berry Farm in New Jersey Different?
It’s the dirt. Well, the soil, if we’re being fancy. New Jersey is famous for its acidic, sandy soil, which is basically the "Goldilocks" zone for blueberries. But at Emery’s, they don’t just let the bushes do all the work. They’ve got about seven different varieties of blueberries ripening at different times throughout the season.
That’s the secret.
Most people show up in late June and think they’ve seen it all. Nope. If you go in early July, you’re getting a totally different cultivar than you’d get in late July. Some are huge—like, the size of a quarter—while others are smaller and pack a more intense, tart punch.
They use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which basically means they aren't just dousing everything in chemicals for the sake of it. They’re smart about it. It’s not "certified organic," and they are very transparent about that, but it’s a much more holistic approach than the industrial-scale farms you see down in South Jersey. You can taste the difference. You really can.
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The Pie Situation (A Warning)
We have to talk about the bakery. If you walk into the farm market and don't buy a pie, did you even go to Emery’s? Probably not.
Their blueberry pie is legendary, but here’s the thing: they don’t use fillers. You know that goopy, cornstarch-heavy blue slime in commercial pies? None of that here. It’s just massive amounts of fruit. They also do a "Blueberry Delight" which is essentially a cheesecake-adjacent miracle.
But listen—if you go on a Saturday in July, the line for the bakery can get long. Really long. Get there early. If you show up at 2:00 PM, don't act surprised when the best stuff is sold out. People travel from Philly and North Jersey just for these specific baked goods.
The U-Pick Experience: What to Actually Expect
U-pick is the main event at Emery’s Berry Farm. It’s pretty straightforward. You show up, you get your containers (or bring your own, though they usually want to weigh them first), and you head out to the fields.
It is hot.
I can’t stress this enough. There is no shade in a blueberry field. It’s you, the sun, and the bushes. If you bring kids, wear hats. Apply sunscreen until you look like a ghost.
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The bushes are pruned well, so you aren't fighting through a jungle, which is nice. It’s very accessible. They usually have specific rows marked off for picking so the plants don’t get over-stressed. Don’t be that person who ducks under the tape to get to the "better" rows. The staff is actually really good at rotating the fields so everyone gets a fair shot at the ripe stuff.
A Few Insider Tips for Picking:
- Look for the "bloom": That waxy, silver-blue coating on the berry? That’s called the bloom. It’s a natural protector. If the berry is shiny and dark, it’s actually past its prime or has been handled too much.
- The Roll Test: Don't pull the berry. Just gently roll your thumb over a cluster. The ripe ones will literally fall into your hand. If you have to tug, it’s not ready. Leave it for next week.
- Check the stems: If the area where the stem meets the berry is still green or pink, it’s going to be sour. Wait for full blue/purple coverage.
Beyond the Blueberries
While the berries are the stars, the farm doesn't just shut down when August hits. They’ve pivoted over the years to become a multi-season destination.
In the fall, it turns into a whole different vibe. We’re talking pumpkins, hayrides, and corn mazes. It’s less "serious harvest" and more "family fun," but the quality of the produce stays high. Their sunflowers are also a massive draw for the Instagram crowd, though honestly, I’m just there for the roasted corn.
They also have a decent selection of local honey. Because they have so many blueberry bushes, the bees produce a specific type of blueberry honey that is thinner and has a slight fruity aftertaste. It’s killer on biscuits.
Why Locality Matters (The Science Bit)
When you buy berries at a grocery store, they’ve likely been chilled, shipped from somewhere like Peru or Mexico, and sat in a warehouse. Blueberries don't actually get sweeter after they are picked; they just get softer.
When you pick at Emery’s Berry Farm in New Jersey, the sugar content (the Brix level) is at its absolute peak. You’re getting the maximum antioxidant load—anthocyanins, specifically—because the fruit hasn't started the degradation process that happens during long-distance shipping.
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Practical Logistics for Your Visit
Address: 346 Monmouth Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533.
Hours: Generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but this is a farm. If it rains, things change. If they get "picked out," they close the fields. Always, always check their Facebook page or website before you put the kids in the car.
Pricing: It’s competitive. You aren't paying "boutique" prices, but it’s not dirt cheap either. You’re paying for the experience and the freshness. Usually, it’s by the pound.
Dogs: Leave them at home. Food safety regulations are strict for U-pick farms, and as much as we love Fido, he can't be sniffing the blueberries.
Actionable Steps for a Perfect Trip
To make the most of your visit to Emery's, follow this specific game plan:
- Timing is Everything: Aim for the first two weeks of July for the peak of the blueberry season. If you want the biggest berries (Duke variety), go early. If you want the sweetest (Bluecrop or Elliott), go mid-to-late July.
- The Morning Advantage: Arrive at 9:00 AM sharp. You beat the New Jersey humidity, you beat the crowds, and you get first dibs on the freshest pies from the bakery.
- Bring a Cooler: This is the pro move. Put your hand-picked berries in a cooler (not directly on ice, just in a cold environment) for the drive home. It stops the ripening process and keeps them firm.
- Storage Secrets: Do NOT wash your berries until you are ready to eat them. Moisture is the enemy. Store them in a breathable container in the fridge, and they’ll last two weeks. If you’re freezing them, freeze them on a flat cookie sheet first before bagging them so they don't turn into one giant blueberry brick.
- Check the Crop Report: Before leaving, verify field conditions. A heavy rain the night before can sometimes make the fields too muddy for picking, and the farm will occasionally close for a day to let the berries ripen up again.
Emery's represents a disappearing side of New Jersey—the actual "Garden" part. It’s worth the drive, the sun, and the purple-stained fingers.