New Jersey’s No. 1 farmers market is celebrating one of the Garden State’s favorite foods: The Jersey Tomato.
Tomato Day at the Burlington County Farmers Market will be held from 8:30 AM to 1 PM this Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown. The special tomato-themed market will feature a wide variety of heirloom, beefsteak, cherry and plum tomatoes fresh from New Jersey farms, plus scores of prepared foods.
There will also be a tomato cooking demonstration, tomato basket giveaways, a tomato scavenger hunt, kids craft by Farmhouse Art and free samples of salsa, tomato bisque and fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and tomato pairings while it lasts.
There will even be tomato beer, the latest brew created by Marlton-based Zed’s Beer-Bado Brewing.
“Jersey Fresh tomatoes are a summertime favorite and one of the best places to shop for them is at the Burlington County Farmers Market,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Our market was voted New Jersey’s favorite farmers market during this year’s America’s Farmers Market Celebration, so if you haven’t visited this summer, this Saturday is a perfect time to come and experience the market and all it has to offer.”
New Jersey is one of the nation’s top producers of tomatoes, harvesting more than 56 million pounds annually, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Among the varieties of Jersey tomatoes are the soft, early-season Moreton, the juicy Ramapo variety and the flavorful Rutgers tomato.
Tomatoes are 95% water, so they are considered a good food for hydration. They are also considered a moderate source of vitamin C.
Twenty different farms are scheduled to sell crops on Tomato Day, along with another 27 food vendors and 11 artists and crafters. Classic rock band Lost in Brunswick is also scheduled to perform live throughout the day.
“The Burlington County Farmers Market continues to grow more popular each week and we were thrilled to see it voted the No. 1 farmers market in the entire state this year,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “The title is more than just bragging rights, it’s also recognition for our Parks staff and all the outstanding farms, vendors and artists who make the market so successful. It’s now a must-visit destination each week, and we look forward to Tomato Day adding an extra dose of fun and appreciation for one of New Jersey’s most beloved crops.”
Now in its 18th season, the Burlington County Farmers Market is held rain or shine every Saturday from early May through Nov. 23, plus a special holiday market on Dec. 7.
This year also featured several preseason market days during the middle of March and April.
To learn more about the farmers market, including a weekly rundown of expected vendors and activities, visit the market’s website at https://www.burlcoagcenter.com/voted-1-farmers-market-in-nj/ . You can also follow the market on social media at https://www.facebook.com/burlcofarmersmarket .