Produce Spotlight: Strawberries Have Arrived!

Despite the drizzly weather we’ve having, you can believe it – it’s true! It’s that magical time of the year again, when the first strawberries of the season have arrived at the Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market! Juicy, sweet, and ruby red, there’s nothing better than the flavor, fragrance, and texture of fresh strawberries! Picking your own or getting them from your local farmers’ market is the only guaranteed way to get the freshest berries, as they most likely haven’t traveled far, are handled much less, and picked when perfectly ripe! A plump, firm, deep red berry that’s medium sized is your best bet!

It’s hard to find a person who doesn’t love strawberries (because what’s not to love?) so if you love them as much as we do, head down this week to grab your own fresh, delicious baskets from an array of local farmers!

Picking and Storing

When selecting your strawbs, look for berries that are plump, firm, and have a deep red color. A nice medium size is going to be your best bet, as very large strawberries tend to be hollow on the inside, and very small strawberries tend to be seedy. Another good sign is sheen. Fresher berries have more shine! If they are over-ripe, they start to look dark and dull.

To store, put them in shallow containers in your fridge as soon as you get home. Make sure they have space and air; strawberries don’t like to cuddle or feel crowded! Wash berries in cold water right before using them, not before storing. Always leave the caps on your berries when possible, this helps strawberries stay firm and last longer. They will deteriorate with time, so use them as soon as possible! If you can’t use them up, try freezing them!