2024 Southeast Michigan Eggplant U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Eggplant U-Pick Orchards in Southeast Michigan in 2024, 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

Lenawee County

• Gust Brother's Pumpkin Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, eggplants, flowers, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
  13639 Mulberry Road, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267. Phone: 517-486-2237. Email: gustbrothers@gmail.com. Open: See our website for current hours; Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Take U.S. 23 to exit 1 in Michigan, then go west and follow the signs there. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Gust Brother's Pumpkin Farm Facebook page. We use integrated pest management practicesprovides a real, wholesome, and fun farm experience to all visitors. We offer fall decor and produce both pre-picked and you-pick: pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales, crafts, jams, etc. Families enjoy our farm animals on display, which includes young and old animals. Included are sows with piglets, cows and calves, sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens, chicks, and kittens. Visit our new concession barn for some freshly made donuts, cider, or other snacks, or enjoy a hayride around the farm. Gust Flower and Produce Farm offers visitors an opportunity to cut their own flower bouquet, take a stroll through our sunflower trail, or pick-your-own vegetables. We also offer pre-picked produce for purchase. Get lost in our 10 acre you-pick field filled with over 100 varieties of different vegetables and cut flowers. Picking your own vegetables and flowers is a fun and wholesome activity for the whole family to enjoy! Here is a sampling from 2020 of what you can pick and the 2020 PRICES Sweet Corn-$5 per dozen or $0.50 per ear, Tomatoes-$1 each, Bell Peppers-$1 each, Green Beans-$2 per quart, Cucumbers-$.50 each, Zucchini/Summer Squash-$.50 each, Cantaloupe-$3 each, Watermelon (seedless)-$5 each, Eggplant-$1 each, Cabbage-$2 each, Cauliflower-$3 per head, Broccoli-$2 per large crown or $2 per quart, Potatoes-$3 per 5+ lb bag, Large sweet onions-$.75 each

Monroe County

• Gaskill Family Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, asparagus, beets, blackberries, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplants, melons, onions, other berries, pears, peppers, raspberries (red),
  12433 Crowe Rd, Milan, MI 48160. Phone: 734-439-1225. Email: gaskillfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Open: Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right west. Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right \(west\). Immediately turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 \(Cone Road\) turn left \(north\) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left \(west\) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left \(west\) after you cross the railroad tracks \(approximately 1 mile\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Gaskill Family Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 734-260-2998 From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right (west). Immediately turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 (Cone Road) turn left (north) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left (west) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left (west) after you cross the railroad tracks (approximately 1 mile)Strawberries (starting 2017) mid June to early July; Raspberries about 1 to 2 weeks after strawberries start until late Fall; vegetables all summer and into Fall (June to October); Apples/Pears September to late OctoberWe use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card. Updated June 2016. is a small farm growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In a normal year we will start out picking strawberries for the farmers markets followed about mid June with summer red raspberries then blackberries, fall red raspberries, apples and pumpkins. Our growing method is conventional with a great deal of effort put on Integrated Pest Management. We work with nature every where we can, from seeding down hard to plant areas to a vegetation that will attract beneficial insects to growing a combination of clover and grasses between rows of raspberries, not only make it easier for our customers to walk, but to supply some of the nitrogen the raspberries need to grow. (UPDATED: June 24, 2016) (ADDED: June 22, 2015)

 

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)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers