It's that time of year again when flowers are in bloom and strawberries are in season. May is National Strawberry Month, and National Strawberry Picking Day falls on May 20 every year.
Strawberries, however, are meant to be picked, savored and celebrated beyond May. Celebrate summertime sweetness and shop small by adding Kauffman Orchards to your local strawberry picking bucket list.
Kauffman Orchards, located in Lancaster County, is kicking off their strawberry picking season beginning on May 25. Bring your family and friends, and pick your own strawberries every Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. until mid-June. Hand-pick Keepsake, Chandler, Camino Real and Sweet Charlie strawberries grown naturally without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
And if you’re new to berry picking, or just set on getting the best batch, try these tips from Kauffman Orchards:
1. Dress for picking – Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Some terrain on the farm may be uneven or muddy after it rains. And don’t forget sun protection!
2. Use a gentle touch – Ripe berries are fragile.
3. Keep them fresh – Rinse berries in hot tap water for about 30 seconds, and then let them air dry on a towel-lined tray. Strawberries stored in a breathable container will last for about one week in the refrigerator.
4. Save them for later – If you pick more than you can eat, freeze them for future use. Berries can be frozen whole or cut. Remove stems and leaves, and spread them on a tray in a single layer. Freezing berries on a tray first will help to prevent them from sticking together. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags for storage.
Tony Gehman, assistant orchard manager at Kauffman Orchards, says “The proper attitude is key when it comes to strawberry picking. ... Approach the plants with reverence and gratitude, thank them for their bounty and only take what you need.”
Once you pick your strawberries, there's plenty of delicious treats and dishes you can incorporate them into to add to your summer menu. Kauffman Orchards recommends something simple and classic, yet nutritious and delicious, like a strawberry parfait.
Kauffman’s Fresh Strawberry Parfait
Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup fresh, sliced strawberries
¼ cup granola
Steps:
1. Spread yogurt in a bowl.
2. Layer sliced strawberries on top.
3. Sprinkle with your favorite granola and top with sliced almonds, pistachios or chia seeds.
For more information on strawberry picking at Kauffman Orchards, visit: https://kauffman.farm/u-pick.
