Strawberry season in Virginia typically runs from late April to mid-June. During this time, farmers throughout the state harvest ripe, delicious strawberries that can be found at local farmers markets and grocery stores. The sweet and juicy fruit is a favorite among Virginians, and its season is eagerly awaited each year. Whether you choose to pick your own strawberries or buy them already picked, there is nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked Virginia strawberry!In Virginia, strawberry season typically begins in mid-April and runs through June.
What is the Strawberry Season Like in Virginia?
Strawberry season in Virginia is a great time of year for both growers and consumers alike. From late April through early June, growers take advantage of the warm spring weather to harvest their ripe crops. The sweet, juicy strawberries can be found at farmers markets, roadside stands, and pick-your-own strawberry patches throughout the state.
Strawberry picking allows consumers to get fresh berries at their peak of ripeness and flavor. It’s also a fun activity for families looking for a fun outdoor experience. Pick-your-own patches typically charge a small fee per pound that goes directly back to the grower. If you’re looking for an even better deal, many farmers will offer discounts if you buy in bulk.
Once harvested, strawberries are used to make jams and jellies, as well as eaten fresh or frozen for later use. There are also many recipes featuring strawberries that can be found online or in cookbooks. With so many ways to enjoy them, it’s easy to see why strawberries are one of Virginia’s most beloved fruits!
How Long Does Strawberry Season Last in Virginia?
Strawberry season in Virginia typically lasts from late April to early June. During this time, growers in the state harvest and offer fresh strawberries for sale to local grocery stores and farmers markets. Depending on the weather conditions, some strawberry growers may extend their season into July.
The best time to buy strawberries in Virginia is during peak season, which is usually May. This is when the berries are ripe and at their sweetest. It’s also when you can find the most variety of strawberry varieties for sale, such as Chandler, Allegheny, Jewel and Earliglow.
For those who want to pick their own strawberries, U-pick farms usually open up in mid-May and remain open until early June. Many of these farms offer pre-picked berries as well as U-pick options. Visitors can also find entertainment activities such as hay rides, petting zoos and farm tours at some U-pick farms.
It’s important to remember that strawberry season only lasts for a few weeks each year, so it’s important to take advantage of it while you can!
Where to Find Strawberries in Virginia During the Season?
Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit found in abundance in Virginia during the season. From May through June, these sweet and juicy berries can be found at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and u-pick farms throughout the state. For those looking to buy locally grown strawberries, here are some of the best places to find them in Virginia.
Farmers’ Markets: Farmers’ markets are a great place to find local produce, including strawberries. Many cities throughout Virginia offer weekly farmers’ markets where you can buy directly from local farmers. The Arlington Farmers’ Market, for example, offers a wide variety of locally grown produce including strawberries.
Roadside Stands: There are also many roadside stands that offer locally grown strawberries during the season. These stands often have freshly picked berries that are sweet and full of flavor. The Berry Patch Farm in Shenandoah Valley is one such roadside stand offering fresh strawberries from May through June.
U-Pick Farms: U-pick farms are another great option for finding fresh strawberries in Virginia during the season. These farms let you pick your own berries so you know they’re as fresh as possible. Jones Orchards in Culpeper County is one such farm offering u-pick strawberries during the season.
These are just some of the best places to find fresh strawberries in Virginia during the season. Whether you want to buy them from a local farmers’ market or pick them yourself at a u-pick farm, there’s sure to be plenty of options for finding these delicious fruits throughout the state!
Variety of Strawberries in Virginia
Virginia is known for its amazing strawberry season, which runs from April through June. During this time, many different varieties of strawberries are available in the state. The most popular type of strawberry is the June-bearing strawberry, which produces long clusters of sweet berries that ripen over a period of several weeks. There are also everbearing strawberries, which produce smaller berries throughout the season and evergreen strawberries, which can produce fruit all year round in a mild climate.
Besides these basic types of strawberries, there are several other varieties that can be found in Virginia during the season. These include Albion, Seascape, Camarosa, Chandler, and Totem. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and flavor profile that make it desirable to growers and consumers alike. Albion strawberries are known for their large size and sweet flavor; Seascape is known for its intense flavor and firm texture; Camarosa is known for its bright red color; Chandler is known for its extra-large size; and Totem has an excellent balance between sweetness and tartness.
No matter what kind of strawberry you prefer, you’re sure to find it in Virginia during the season! Whether you’re looking for a specific variety or just want to try something new, you can find an abundance of delicious strawberries to choose from. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest berries around!
Tips for Picking Strawberries in Virginia During the Season
Picking strawberries in Virginia during the season can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your strawberry picking adventure:
• Choose a farm that is close to you. You can find farms in your local area by searching online or asking around. Visit the farm before picking day to make sure it is up to your standards.
• Check the weather forecast for the day of your visit. Make sure that there will be no rain or cold temperatures that may affect your strawberry picking experience.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and bring comfortable shoes, hats, and sunscreen. You should also bring a basket or bag to store your freshly picked strawberries in.
• Research which variety of strawberry is best for your area. Different varieties of strawberries ripen at different times, so make sure you pick accordingly.
• Look for ripe berries that are bright red and have green caps still attached. Be careful not to over-pick as this can damage the plant and reduce future harvests.
• Pick berries gently by using both hands and cupping them around the stem. Gently twist the berry off or pull it from its stem without damaging other nearby fruits.
• Eat some of your freshly picked strawberries right away! There’s nothing quite like eating a ripe strawberry straight from its source. Enjoy!
Storing and Preserving Fresh Strawberries from Virginia During the Season
Strawberries are a delicious and versatile fruit, and they are grown in abundance in Virginia. If you’re lucky enough to have access to fresh strawberries during the season, it’s important to know how to store and preserve them properly so they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve fresh strawberries from Virginia during the season:
First of all, it’s important to select strawberries that are ripe but still firm. Avoid any strawberries that show signs of bruising or mold. Once you have your fresh strawberries, store them in a clean container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. Make sure not to wash the berries until you are ready to use them, as this can cause them to spoil quickly.
If you want to freeze your fresh strawberries from Virginia, you should first wash them thoroughly with cold water. Allow them to dry completely before placing them into an airtight bag or container. Label the package with the date before placing it into your freezer. Frozen strawberries can last up to eight months when stored properly.
You can also preserve your fresh Virginia strawberries by making jams or jellies. You can make jam or jelly from either frozen or fresh berries, but make sure that you use a good recipe that includes sugar and pectin for best results. Be sure to use clean jars and lids when processing your preserves.
Finally, if you want a longer shelf life for your fresh Virginia strawberries, consider drying them. Wash and hull the berries before cutting each one into four pieces. Place the cut pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 140°F (60°C) for 4-6 hours until they have dried completely. Store dried strawberries in an airtight container away from light and moisture for up to one year.
By following these tips on storing and preserving freshly picked Virginia strawberries during the season, you’ll be able enjoy their wonderful flavor all year round!
Fresh Strawberry Recipes from Virginia
Fresh strawberries from Virginia are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes. From refreshing smoothies to sweet desserts, there’s something to suit every taste. Here are some of the best recipes you can make with fresh strawberries during the season.
Strawberry Cobbler
This classic Southern dessert is sure to please with its juicy filling and crunchy topping. Start by preheating your oven and then mix together fresh strawberries, sugar, flour, and butter in a bowl until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch baking dish and top with a crumbly topping made of butter, sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and enjoy!
Strawberry Shortcake
Nothing says summer like strawberry shortcake! Start by making your favorite biscuit dough recipe or using store-bought biscuit mix and cut out circles with a biscuit cutter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake according to package instructions. Meanwhile, mix together fresh diced strawberries with sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the juices have released. To assemble the shortcakes, split each biscuit in half and layer them with the strawberry mixture and whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!
Strawberry Smoothie
For a refreshing breakfast or snack during the summer months, nothing beats a strawberry smoothie! Put 2 cups of frozen strawberries in your blender along with 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of milk or almond milk, 2 tablespoons of honey (or more depending on how sweet you like it!), 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (optional), 3 tablespoons of flaxseed meal (optional), and blend until everything is combined. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
Conclusion
Strawberry season in Virginia is an exciting time of year. The season usually starts in April and runs through June, but the exact dates can vary based on the weather. While strawberries are available all year round in stores, nothing beats the flavor of freshly picked strawberries during the peak of the season. Whether you’re picking your own fresh berries or buying them from a local farm stand or farmer’s market, you can rest assured that you’re getting some of the best berries around. Enjoy Virginia’s strawberry season and savor every moment!
