My Backyard

   Strawberry Picking How Tos and Facts 

• Select plump, firm, fully red strawberries.
• Grasp stem just above strawberry between forefinger and thumbnail. Pull with slight twisting motion.
• With stem broken about one-half inch from strawberry, allow it to roll into palm of hand.
• Repeat using both hands until each holds three to four strawberries.
• Carefully place – don’t throw – into containers.
• Don’t overfill containers or try to pack down strawberries.
• It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pick 1 quart if the strawberries are reasonably plentiful.
• Unripe strawberries will not ripen once picked.
• Don’t over purchase as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• Strawberries are easy to freeze. Wash, cut the hulls off, and pop in a zip lock bag – removing as much air as possible.
• Always call before going to the farm. Strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. When they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon!
• Leave early. On weekends, the fields may be picked clean by noon!
• Bring something to drink and a few snacks. Don’t forget hats and sunscreen. Some bug spray with deet might be helpful if it has been rainy.
• Don’t wash strawberries until using them. Pour into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting strawberries.

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