What is it?

Strawberries are one of the first fruits of the season and a favorite for both kids and adults. These bright red berries grow close to the ground on low, leafy plants. When picking, look for berries that are FULLY red from tip to stem, as strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are harvested. Garden fresh strawberries are NOTHING LIKE store bought. Strawberries put the maximum amount of sugars into the fruit as they ripen. Store bought strawberries are picked when they just start to ripen, quickly picked, shipped, and then gassed with Ethelyn gas to turn them red as they travel. Note: Ethelyn gas is the same gas put off by ripening fruit, so fully safe for food.

YOU WILL DEFINELY TASTE THE DIFFERENCE OF STRAWBERRIES RIPEND ON THE VINE!

To pick a strawberry, gently grasp the stem just above the berry and snap or pinch it off, leaving the green cap attached. Avoid pulling directly on the fruit, as this can damage both the berry and the plant.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support a healthy immune system. They are naturally sweet, low in calories, and delicious fresh from the field.

How do I clean and store it?

Wait to wash strawberries until you are ready to eat them. Excess moisture can shorten their storage life.

When you get home, sort through your berries and remove any damaged or overripe fruit. Store unwashed strawberries in a shallow container lined with a paper towel and place them in the refrigerator. The paper towel will help absorb excess moisture and keep the berries fresh longer.

Just before eating, rinse strawberries gently under cool running water and pat dry. Avoid soaking them, as strawberries absorb water easily and can become soft.

Properly stored, fresh strawberries will typically keep for 3–7 days in the refrigerator…but who lets them last that long?

How do I enjoy it?

Fresh strawberries are delicious on their own, but there are countless ways to enjoy them:

• Eat them fresh as a snack

• Slice them over yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal

• Add them to salads for a touch of sweetness

• Blend them into smoothies

• Use them in shortcake, pies, cobblers, or other desserts

• Make homemade jam or preserves

• Freeze them for future use in smoothies and baking

A simple favorite:

Strawberries and Cream

Slice fresh strawberries and serve with whipped cream or a splash of sweet cream for an easy summertime treat.

“Oh no, we picked 13 pounds of strawberries”:

Strawberries are easy to preserve and enjoy long after the season ends.

For short-term storage, keep them refrigerated and use within a week. For longer storage, wash, dry, and hull the berries, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags or containers.

Frozen strawberries are perfect for smoothies, baking, sauces, and jams.

You can also make:

• Strawberry jam

• Strawberry freezer jam

• Strawberry syrup

• Strawberry pie filling

• Dehydrated strawberry slices

A bumper crop of strawberries is never a problem—it's an opportunity for delicious treats all year long!