Instructions
Even more than that first cookout, strawberry season marks the real start of summer. Bright red, juicy berries are one of our favorite ways to celebrate the first days of summer, whether you serve them sweet, spicy or just enjoy them on their own.
Planning a trip to your local strawberry farm isn't just a fun family activity or a way to take part in farm-to-table dining, it’s the perfect way to get the freshest, juiciest berries in town. Read on to find out how to make strawberry picking a success — and what to do with strawberries once you're in the kitchen.
Types of Strawberries
There are a few different cultivars of strawberries grown in the US, from early-harvesting Early glow berries to hardier Jewel berries, and your local farmer can tell you all about the berries they have available. Although strawberry season usually lasts from May through July, most strawberry varieties bear fruit in June. Start looking out for availability at the start of the month — many farms will often update their websites or social media profiles to indicate when berries are ready.
How to Pick Strawberries
In addition to providing cultivar-specific tips and guidance, the farm should also provide storage baskets. Use these containers instead of your own, since they're sized to store lots of berries without accidentally crushing them. Wondering what you’ll need to bring for a successful day of strawberry picking? Make sure you pack a good SPF, an outfit you don't mind getting dirty, and an optional gardening cushion or knee pad to stay comfortable.
Pay attention to ripeness when you harvest your strawberries since, unfortunately, they won't ripen after they're picked. Ripe strawberries come in all shapes and sizes, so let color be your guide. Choose strawberries that are red all over (like the two berries on the right in the image above). Strawberries that are white or green at the top (like the second berry to the left) aren't ready.
When it comes to picking, be gentle! Most varieties don't separate from their green caps easily. Make sure to pick your strawberries with the cap and stem attached – it prevents damage and will help to keep them fresh at home. Use a thumbnail to break the stem about a half-inch above the strawberry, and twist slightly to remove the fruit. Avoid unnecessary damage by gently placing the berry in your basket, and be careful not to pile them too high.
How to Store Fresh Strawberries
Wondering how to keep strawberries fresh once they’ve been harvested? Eat any strawberries stored at room temperature the same day. Keep them unwashed and with the caps on in a vegetable crisper in your fridge for up to a week.
If you want to store your berries longer, freeze them! Prep the berries by removing the green caps, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight. Transfer to a freezer bag the next day and voilà, summer flavor year round!
The Best Fresh Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Snack Recipes
Strawberry Dessert Recipes
- Strawberry Pie
- Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Strawberry Shortcakes
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Strawberry Pretzel Hand Pies
Strawberry Drink Recipes
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Smoked Strawberry Negroni Spritz
- Strawberry Orange Mimosa
- Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie
- Strawberry Shortcake Martini
Whether you stick to your family's favorite strawberry dishes or experiment with something entirely different, enjoy the strawberry harvest!
