When Is Strawberry Season? – For most of the country, June is prime time for strawberries. You might also see them in the fall at some farmers’ markets, thanks to ever-bearing varieties that can produce until nearly the first frost. If you do, consider yourself lucky.
They’re so delicate. It’s tricky because if it gets too hot in the summer, the plants just give up,” says Peter Klein, whose Seedling Orchard in South Haven, Michigan supplies strawberries and other fruits to many Chicago chefs. Strawberries like warm days and cool nights, which is why they thrive in California.
There, the year-round growing cycle starts in the south, wends its way up through the Central Coast, into the Monterey Bay area and back again. But the sweet spot is between April and July. That’s when production in all the growing areas overlaps, says Carolyn O’Donnell, a commission spokeswoman.
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How early can I buy strawberries?
When are strawberries in season? – You may be able to find strawberries in your local grocery store year round due to them being supplied from peak growing regions. In most states, strawberries are picked and readily available in April, May and June. However, strawberry season varies throughout the country and USDA growing areas.
- For example, Florida’s strawberry harvest is towards the end of February, whereas Tennessee’s peak season isn’t until May or early June.
- Florida’s strawberry season can sometimes kick start in February depending on growing conditions.
- Surrounding southern states like Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi will follow shortly after Florida with their blooming berries popping up in April and May.
The middle of the south (North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee—we’re talking about you) will typically see ripened berries in late May or early June. Folks in colder climates and mountainous landscapes (like Montana and Colorado) have to wait until summer to enter the berry season — thankfully, June and July are right around the corner.
What are strawberries in season?
When Are Strawberries In Season? – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently stated in a report that “From all locations, strawberry supplies in the United States typically begin to rise in the spring.” This makes sense considering that National Pick Strawberries Day is on May 20.
“Generally, strawberries are considered to be a ‘spring’ crop,” says Pritts, “but new varieties now allow production to be extended throughout the summer and into the fall—even in northern climates.” “Strawberries are in season from mid-May to early July in the eastern and midwestern northern states,” says Dr.
Growing Strawberries at home is easy, big and sweet if you know this method
Gail Nonnecke, a horticulture professor at Iowa State University and member of The North American Strawberry Growers Association, “Winter production occurs in the southern states, such as Florida in late November through early April. In North Carolina, strawberry season typically is in mid to late April through early June,” she adds.
How long do strawberries last after you buy them?
The Best Way to Store Strawberries According to Food Network Experts Natasha Breen / Getty Images By Amanda Neal for Food Network Kitchen Amanda Neal is a recipe developer at Food Network. Those first fresh, vibrant strawberries of the season are like little edible gems telling us that winter is over.
- Though hardier than some other berries, soft and sweet strawberries do require some special care and safe keeping to help them last.
- If you’re planning to eat your strawberries right away, storing strawberries at room temperature on your kitchen counter is the best option — they’ll lose a bit of luster and flavor in the fridge.
However, if you want to prolong their lifespan for use in baked goods and other recipes, the refrigerator will become your best bet. Here are some tips for storing strawberries in your refrigerator to keep them fresh throughout the season. When stored properly, strawberries will stay firm and fresh for about a week.
It’s important to keep strawberries very dry and cold. To do this, line a plate, baking sheet or shallow glass bowl with a couple paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place your unwashed strawberries on top in a single layer, then cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use, ideally within seven days.
If you notice one of the strawberries going bad or turning moldy, immediately remove it and discard. Mold spreads easily and quickly, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on your strawberries for any spoilage. You don’t want one bad berry to ruin the whole bunch! Here are a few important tips for how to store strawberries in the refrigerator: Strawberries will stay their freshest when dry and cold, and any added moisture will soften the strawberries and encourage mold growth.
- So instead of washing all of your berries right when you get home from the store, wash them as you plan to eat or prepare them.
- Eep those little, frilly green stems on your fresh strawberries when storing in the refrigerator.
- Having the stems intact will protect the interior of your berries and prolong their shelf life.
Your strawberries will stay best when not crushed by layers of berries on top of them. If you’re planning to keep your strawberries for a longer period of time, your best bet is to freeze them. Remove the stems, then quarter or thinly slice the berries.
Place the strawberries on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet, then freeze until solid, at least 30 minutes. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. This method will allow you to easily thaw and snack on your in-season strawberries, or simply throw frozen berries into smoothies and frozen beverages.
Kate Mathis, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved Baked with a golden biscuit topping, this dessert makes the most of sweet strawberries. To ensure the filling sets correctly, let the cobbler cool completely before serving. Kate Mathis, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P.
All Rights Reserved This light and springy dessert satisfies the cheesecake lover, but is a bit easier to make. It’s a great way to use up your strawberries. Sweet strawberry and tart rhubarb are a match made in heaven. Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream. Presenting the ultimate summer dessert.
We promise you’ll want to be saving this recipe. This buckle screams summer, thanks to the generous helping of fresh blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. We boosted the flavors by adding a good amount of lemon zest to the tender cake and a pinch of nutmeg and ginger to the sweet crumb topping.
Will strawberries ripen after you buy them?
Strawberries – Strawberries don’t ripen once they’re picked, so if they don’t look ripe, they never will be. How can you tell which strawberries are the freshest? Look for a bright red colour, a natural shine, and fresh-looking green tops. Avoid berries with white tops or tips.
- Eep berries refrigerated, although they will taste sweeter if you let them come to room temperature before eating.
- Select strawberries that are rich and uniformly red.
- Avoid mushy berries that exhibit signs of mould.
- You can find fresh strawberries in the grocery store any time of the year, but they’re best during spring and summer, fresh off the farm.
Check your local farmers market or find locations to pick your own berries for the sweetest and ripest fruit. If possible, choose organic strawberries to avoid pesticides commonly used in conventional growing. You can also purchase frozen organic strawberries for extra sweetness and a boost of nutrition at any time of the year.
Should you keep strawberries in the fridge?
Where is the best place to store strawberries? – Unless you plan to use the strawberries right away, it’s best to store them in your refrigerator to preserve freshness. Unrefrigerated, berries will last only a few days; stored in the fridge, they could last up to a week.