Burlington Review

New Jersey’s leading farmers market is set to celebrate one of the Garden State’s favorite foods: the Jersey Tomato.

Tomato Day at the Burlington County Farmers Market will take place from 8:30 AM to 1 PM this Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, located at 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown. The event will feature a variety of heirloom, beefsteak, cherry, and plum tomatoes fresh from New Jersey farms, alongside numerous prepared foods.

Activities planned for the day include a tomato cooking demonstration, tomato basket giveaways, a tomato scavenger hunt, kids' crafts by Farmhouse Art, and free samples of salsa, tomato bisque, and fresh tomatoes paired with mozzarella while supplies last. Additionally, Marlton-based Zed’s Beer-Bado Brewing will offer their latest creation: tomato beer.

“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. 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.”

According to the US Department of Agriculture, New Jersey is among the nation’s top producers of tomatoes with an annual harvest exceeding 56 million pounds. Varieties include Moreton (a soft early-season type), Ramapo (juicy), and Rutgers (flavorful).

Tomatoes are composed of 95% water making them beneficial for hydration and 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 will 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 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 operates rain or shine every Saturday from early May through Nov. 23 with an additional holiday market on Dec. 7.

This year also featured several preseason market days during March and April.

For more information about the farmers market including weekly vendor lists and activities visit https://www.burlcoagcenter.com/voted-1-farmers-market-in-nj/. The market can also be followed on social media at https://www.facebook.com/burlcofarmersmarket.