May Is National Strawberry Month!
Every May, strawberries steal the spotlight as one of the fruits that kick off the summer season! Whether grown in your garden or found in farmers markets or grocery stores, strawberries remain a staple of the spring season!
In the United States, strawberry season typically lasts from April to mid-summer, with May and June being peak months. California produces the majority of the country’s commercial strawberries since it has a mild climate, making it perfect for a long growing season. States with similar climates, such as North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Florida contribute to the production of strawberries, with Florida producing a significant amount of the winter crop. Strawberries thrive in sunny conditions with drained soil and consistent moisture. They are delicate plants, so too much rain and cold conditions can be damaging to the blossoms before developing and harm the crop. Straw is added to mulch beds since it can help the fruit retain moisture and reduce weed growth, and some believe this is where the “strawberry” name originated. They are spread out naturally through runners, which are horizontal stems developed by parent plants, expanding over time.
Most of the strawberries people eat today are known as garden strawberries. Strawberries were selectively bred to become sweeter, larger, firmer, and better suited for transport, creating multiple varieties. The three main types of strawberries are categorized into June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing strawberries are the most common type for gardens and farms because they produce one large crop in late spring or early summer. Popular June-bearing varieties include Chandler, which are large, sweet, wedge-shaped berries, and Jewel, which are large in size with a firm texture and bright red appearance. Everbearing strawberries produce two to three crops, while day-neutral strawberries continue to fruit. Popular everbearing and day-neutral varieties include Albion, known for sweetness and large berries, and Seascape, known for their high yields and flavor.
Strawberries well deserve taking center stage as they are more than just a delicious fruit. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that make you feel refreshed. They are versatile in cooking and can be used in both sweet and savory ways. Strawberries are often eaten fresh and by themselves, but are commonly added to dishes as a garnish or as a main ingredient. Some common uses that highlight fresh strawberries are when they are added to desserts like strawberry shortcake and added into salads for a sweet taste. Strawberries can also be blended into smoothies, baked into tarts, or preserved into jams and syrups. When they are fresh, they pair well with ingredients like basil, balsamic vinegar, cream, citrus, and chocolate.
If you’re looking to get outside, strawberry picking has become a seasonal tradition for many people and local farms often have options where you can pick-your-own fruits. Show your appreciation for strawberries this month!
Check out these local farms for strawberry picking!
Linvilla Orchards – 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA 19063
Maple Acres Farm – 2656 Narcissa Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Solebury Orchards – 3325 Creamery Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Styer Orchard – 1121 Woodbourne Road, 97 Styer's Ln, Langhorne, PA 19047
Shady Brook Farm – 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067
Hellerick’s Adventure Farm – 5500 Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA 18902
Highland Orchards – 1000 Marshallton Thorndale Rd, West Chester, PA 19380
Sugartown Strawberries – 650 Sugartown Rd, Malvern, PA 19355