Jersey tomato report by Eileen and Paul Goldfinger at Matt’s Market in Belmar. Now is nearly peak season for those summer treasures. 8/12/25
Matts Farm Market. Tomato crop at its peak. Re-post from 8/12,/24. Eileen is the browser. She’s some tomato. Click once to enlarge. Her shirt displays Hebrew writing*. Paul Goldfinger photo.
Tomato sandwich in Eileen’s OG kitchen with a Jersey. Paul Goldfinger photo..
September 21, 2025 update: We have not been enthused about this summer’s tomatoes from New Jersey in mid-August. But we went back to Matt’s now and found that the red fruits are now better: very good but not excellent. And they still have very good corn. Wegmans has neither: Jersey produce will be around through October. The Asbury Saturday Sunset Market will be open until Thanksgiving.
From Matt’s on 9/19/25. . Paul and Eileen Goldfinger reporting from our OG kitchen. This “Jersey beefsteak” will be great with bagels and lox. And cream cheese from Bagel Talk and onions from Peru. And we love the bagels from Bagel Talk in the mall opposite the OG entrance. I like their “everything” scooped and toasted. Ask for Elmer.
Here’s a suggestion for this beautiful tomato crop in New Jersey. We love tomato sandwiches. The concept is easy. We like “Hey, Peach’s” sourdough* sliced bread, lightly toasted. Use Hellmann’s mayo and avocado slices. A slice of cheese is good; for example Mozzarella. And a slice of Vidalia sweet onions for the daring. (The Vidalia season is near the end, but Wegmans has some fine sweet onions from Peru.). Note that in the 17th century Peru supplied Europe with silver but now it’s onions.
After that you are on your own….but do it now while the Jerseys are peaking.
We like Matt’s Market and Garden Center for their huge selection of Jerseys. They also have a large variety of local fruits and veggies; and Jersey corn.
Matt’s: Take Memorial Parkway to the bridge. Take 35 north by the Belmar Marina and turn left at the Windmill onto 71 north.
Go past Mr. Shrimp, and Matt’s is a short distance ahead on the left.
I am thankful that my name isn’t Mr. Shrimp. Girls: Would you date a guy named Mr. Shrimp?
Bonus suggestion for summer dinner: Get lobsters. Wegmans will cook them for you, or do it yourself. Serve them with beautiful Jersey corn and a salad. And how about dessert at Days—if you have room.
- The best sourdough bread around is at “Hey, Peach” bakery in Bradley Beach, 126 Main Ave, owned by Erin and James of Ocean Grove. They are open Thursday to Sunday 7-3.
*”Am Yisrael Chai” means “The People of Israel Live.” It is a slogan of solidarity among Jews. It is used to express strength and unity, typically in the face of adversity, but also in moments of peace and prosperity.”
“Love and Marigolds.” Michael Danna from the score of Monsoon Wedding.