In my previous blog I gave you tips on how to navigate through a strawberry farm with young children. My 3-year-old’s first trip to pick fresh strawberries from a local farm yielded many lessons. It was a great summer adventure and I look forward to putting our tips to the test when we head back next year.
However, I realize there are some of you who wouldn’t for an instant entertain the thought of toting tots out in the summer sun to pluck fresh berries inches from the ground. With that in mind I have a number of other non-related tot tips that you may find helpful the next time you are gathering 10 pounds of strawberries for your summer recipes.
Call First. For a number of reasons. Strawberry season doesn’t last long (it typically begins in late June and lasts for about two weeks). That means you are competing with every berry-loving picker out there. At the height of the strawberry-picking season a large turnout could potentially mean fields are picked clean by noon (especially on a sunny Saturday).
Be Gentle. This was a tough one to get my tot to remember. You’ll likely have better luck getting this point across to older children (or spouses). The field manager we were with offered this picking tip: Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand and place it gently in your basket.
B.Y.O.B(asket)—Maybe. Most pick-your-own farms furnish picking containers designed especially for strawberries, but it’s a good idea to call before you go to see if you need to bring your own containers. If you use your own containers, remember that heaping strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. If you must bring your own containers opt for a large pot or a pan with sides no taller than 3 inches, and try not to pack the berries down.
Preferred Picking Methods. If you are a first time picker, farmers are only too happy to give you a few pointers. For example, the farm we visited had a list of picking tips posted near the tractor pick-up area. Some of them included: Pick berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries. And avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree.
Be Prepared. It’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water and a few snacks if you plan to be picking for a while. (We were picking next to a woman who had been in the fields for more than two hours—she had picked more than 14 pounds of strawberries and was still going even as we were leaving.) Don’t forget hats and sunscreen.
Related Articles:
Family Travel: Taking Your Children To A Strawberry Farm
Traveling With Children-Fall Lessons Learned
The Sneaky Mama Sneaks in Strawberries for Summer!