Find out when these sweet berries are at their prime.
Strawberry season is the sweet reward for the long slog that is winter.
When Is Strawberry Season?
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Strawberry season varies throughout the South, which covers a wide range ofUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones.
In Florida, the season can start as early as the end of February.
Cooler zones in the Mid-Atlantic and mountainous regions can expect their strawberry season to coincide with summer.
Credit:Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry
Strawberries there begin to ripen as late as June.
How Long Is Strawberry Season?
Strawberry season lasts about three weeks, depending on how warm the days are.
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Conversely, a mild winter and dry, warm days may speed it up.
The season is precious and fleeting.
Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry
What About Everbearing Strawberries?
Some strawberry varieties will produce additional batches of fruit in the summer and fall.
These everbearing strawberry varieties grow best in cooler Southern states (USDA Zones 6 to 7 or 8).
What About Strawberries In Stores In Winter?
But you pay for that convenience in flavor and texture.
Bigger berries tend to hold more water, which dilutes the sweetness and edge of tart bite.
With little maintenance required, the plants are perfect for small spaces.
Gather your own at a local you-pick farm, and grab some other seasonal produce while youre there.
How Can You Tell If Strawberries Are Ripe?
These tips can help.
(Of course, if you like pickled green strawberries, do grab those.)
How To Keep Strawberries Fresh
For better or worse, strawberries are quite delicate.
In other words, be gentle.
Washing strawberries introduces moisture, which invites mold and may make them turn mushy quickly.
Sort out any that show signs of spoilage or bruising.
Keep them in therefrigeratorfor up to a week.
But if you have a bushel and need some ideas, look no further.
Strawberry dessertsare always crowd-pleasers, with thisCakey Strawberry Cobblerwinning over many hearts.
Don’t skip theStrawberry-Spinach Salad,which makes a delicious side for a spring party.
If you wont finish all the fruit you brought home before then,freeze the strawberriesfor later.
To store your berries in the freezer, youll want to flash-freeze them.
Start by washing and drying the berries.
Let them air-dry as well to remove any remaining moisture.
Use a knife or strawberry huller to cut off the stems.
Slice the berries, if desired, and then spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Do not let the berries touch.
