Strawberry lovers everywhere know nothing beats the taste of fresh from the field strawberries. Farmers report that it's open season for Strawberry picking! It seems the strawberries have not only recovered from the recent cold snap- they're actually ready a little ahead of schedule- but just in time for the long weekend.
There's nothing sweeter than NJ grown, field ripened, fresh strawberries. U PICK farms are gearing up to harvest the early varieties and later varieties of berries promising to extend the season well into June.
So grab the kids and head up to one of the Sussex County farms for some U PICK family fun or make a stop at a local farm stand or market to pick some up. Taste the Bounty of Sussex County FRESH.
Here are some tips from our friends at Sussex County Strawberry Farm:
To be sure to get the pick-of-the-crop, we recommend that you arrive early in the day (or in the late afternoon) when the fruit is at it's coolest temperature, and you will be most comfortable too!
Large or small, every red berry is ripe, luscious, and ready to eat! (green berries will not ripen after picking)
Look under the leaves of each strawberry plant to find the berries - then pinch or pull the stem from the plant. Be sure to leave the hulls on berries
Freshly picked berries are highly perishable - so protect them from sunlight and don't leave them in a hot car!
Fresh strawberries should be used within 2 to 3 days of picking. Store unwashed in the refridgerator or dark, cool area. Be careful not to crowd or press.
What's so great about Strawberries? Check this out:
Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C (28% more than an equal weight of oranges!), providing an average of 77 mg per 100 grams (3 1/2 oz.)of fresh fruit. They are also an age-old diuretic, offering relief from rheumatism and gout.
Strawberries are high in folic acid (a B Vitamin).
Just eight strawberries provide approximately 20% of the RDA of folic acid.
Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, a substance that seems capable of fighting certain cancer-causing agents.
On an average there are 200 tiny seeds on every strawberry.
One cup of fresh strawberries has only 55 calories.
Strawberries go great with breakfast or lunch and make a great stand alone snack- even better with dessert. They can be frozen or turned into jelly or jam, dipped in chocolate or smothered with whipped cream. However you enjoy them, you'll love em even more when you taste the difference Farm Fresh makes.
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