Strawberry Picking

Strawberry picking has been a tradition in my mom's family for quite some time. She used to go every year with her parents. I've gone several times, and this year my mom and I decided to continue the tradition. So last week, my mom, our family friend Maria, and I went strawberry picking at a local farm. We got there right as they opened. The weather was perfect and it was so relaxing to be the only ones there.


Here are some pictures of the three of us picking.






Mom- caught in the act!


We only picked for a little over an hour, but my mom and I picked 18 pounds. Talk about professionals!


Later that night we made two batches of freezer jam. We also made angel food cake and pound cake to put the strawberries on top. We still had a ton leftover.





Strawberry Picking Tips
Information from Homestead Farm

1. Select plump, firm, fully red berries. The small berries are often the most flavorful.

2. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon.

3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you.

4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days.

5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking.

6. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

7. DON’T wash the berries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.