Find a local pick your own farm here!

Eggplant U-Pick Orchards in Phoenix and Surrounding Counties in Arizona in 2025, 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

Maricopa County

  • Tolmachoff Farms - carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, Fresh eggs
    5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85303. Phone: 602-999-3276. Email: tolmachoff1farms@yahoo.com. Open: Month of June ONLY on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am until 12:00 noon; Summer Season produce stand will be open from mid May through mid July from 9 am till 5 pm daily. Directions: 75th Avenue between Bethany Home and Camelback. For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard. For a map to our farm, U-Pick It Time at ! four generation family owned and operated farm will be hosting the u-pick garden this June. Pick a variety of fresh produce and take it straight from our farm to your table and enjoy! U-Pick It during the month of June (ONLY). Produce Stand Information Summer season produce stand will be open from mid May - mid July, 9 am to 5 pm every day. (UPDATED: May 6, 2025, JBS) (UPDATED: March 22, 2016) IMPORTANT NOTE: CALL BEFORE YOU GO TO VERIFY THAT THE VEGETABLES YOU WANT TO PICK ARE AVAILABLE AS U-PICK.Comments from visitors:
    Comments from a visitor on June 29, 2012: "Just thought I would update your comments section on this wonderful farm. Tomatoes are still "on" and are so good! Still just 2.00 per pound. Their corn is picked every day and sooooo delicious. Originally from Iowa I think the tomatoes are every bit as good. And corn just has to be cooked the day it is p..
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Yavapai County

  • Mortimer Farms - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, horseradish, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, jumping pillow, ziplines, train rides (train on a track), trike track, pedal kart track, mining for gems, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
    12907 East State Route 169, Dewey, AZ 86327. Phone: (928) 830-1116. Email: Mortimerfarmsaz@gmail.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: On the corner of 169 and 69 in Dewey, Arizona. From Phoenix: I-17 to Cortez Junction. Turn North on Highway 69. Drive 10 Miles to farm on Right. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
    Mortimer Farms Facebook page. From Phoenix: I-17 to Cortez Junction. Turn North on Highway 69. Drive 10 Miles to farm on Right. Farm Market Open Daily 8 to 6 Pumpkin Festival Open Friday 5 pm to 10, Saturday 10 to 10, Sunday 10 to 5 and Halloween Day 5 pm to 10. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. , a popular Prescott area attraction, bringing back the rich farming history of the Dewey-Humboldt Area. Made famous by our summer sweet corn, annual harvest party, annual pumpkin festival and Christmas Tree Village plus the brand new Farm Park! We also grow a variety seasonal vegetables, strawberries and raise fabulous meat. All in which is available in our Country Store. We grow all the ingredients of a specially blended Arizona feed ration. This specially blended feed has all the vitamins and minerals needed to raise and produce fabulous meat including our amazing turkey, pork, Black Angus Beef, and chicken. Join us for the Mort..
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

 

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)