Strawberry Season is Short but Tastes Sweet
It's strawberry picking time in Minnesota! Growers across the state have reported fields full of blossoms and are expecting to be open for pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries the last two weeks of June.
The typical strawberry season is two-three weeks long but the length of harvest varies from farm to farm depending on varieties planted, weather, and soil type. Excessive heat as of recently can cause berries to ripen more quickly and shorten the season.
John Jacobson of Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake gives tips on preserving Minnesota strawberries’ fresh taste. “Leave the berries in their natural state until you are ready to use them,” said Jacobson, “then wash them up. Waiting to wash the berries will keep them fresher longer and will help them from going bad prematurely.”
One of the top recommendations when I asked on Facebook, was a local farm in Dodge Center, Miracle Strawberry Farm which opened this last weekend! I'm super excited to take my kids there. Danielle Daugaard of Minnesota Grown recommends on-the-farm berry picking as an educational family activity. “Picking your own berries is lots of fun and is a great way for kids to learn where their food comes from,” says Daugaard. “Minnesota Grown farmers are always happy to connect with their customers, and visiting their farms can give families a chance to ask questions about their food.”
Check out my FAVORITE Strawberry recipes you can combine with RHUBARB!
Listen to Beth Blanchard weekdays from 10 AM to 12 PM on 106.9 KROC.
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