The Joy of Strawberry Picking
This weekend, my husband and I decided to have some family fun with our kids – going strawberry picking at a local farm! The kids were excited, and frankly I think my husband was too! As we all wandered through the lush fields, baskets in hand, it reminded me that being connected to nature is one of the best medicine’s out there.
Each of us, kids and adults alike, enjoyed the simple joy of searching for the ripest, most succulent strawberries. It might sound cliche, but our laughter filled the air as we compared our finds, making memories and simply just taking a moment to have fun. Something, admittedly, we need to do much more. I’m willing to bet that you might feel the same way.
There’s something undeniably charming and delightful about spending a sunny day at a ‘You Pick’ strawberry field. The experience is not just about the juicy, sun-warmed strawberries you gather, but also about taking advantage of locally produced foods. Once you’re home with baskets brimming with these ruby red jewels, the question is: what to do with all these strawberries? Well, lucky for you: I have some great ideas to share. Let’s explore a variety of creative and delicious ways to enjoy your strawberries now, as well as some ideas to preserve them for later enjoyment.
Fresh Strawberry Delights
After spending a delightful day at the strawberry field, basking in the sunshine and handpicking the ripest, most luscious berries, the anticipation of savoring their fresh, natural sweetness is unparalleled. The experience of plucking each berry is just the beginning of the journey. Once home, the real magic begins as you explore various ways to enjoy these freshly harvested treasures. Here’s list of recipe ideas to enjoy in the fruits of your labor:
- Strawberry Bruschetta: An innovative twist on the classic Italian appetizer, top toasted slices of baguette with a mix of chopped strawberries, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory treat.
- Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad: Toss together fresh greens, creamy goat cheese, candied nuts, and sliced strawberries. Drizzle with a honey vinaigrette for a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- DIY Strawberry Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and sliced strawberries in glasses for a healthy, yet indulgent breakfast or dessert option.
- Strawberry Infused Water: For a hydrating and flavorful drink, add sliced strawberries to a pitcher of water with a hint of mint or cucumber for an extra refreshing twist.
- Strawberry Scones: Bake a batch of buttery scones studded with chunks of fresh strawberries, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon tea.
- Strawberry Caprese Skewers: Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and whole strawberries for a fun and easy appetizer.
- Strawberry Glazed Donuts: For those with a sweet tooth, homemade donuts with a strawberry glaze offer a delightful treat that showcases the fruit in all its glory.
- Strawberry Quesadillas: Combine strawberries with mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon between tortillas, then lightly grill for a unique and tasty snack.
- Strawberry Sorbet: Puree fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, then freeze to create a refreshing and simple sorbet.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad: A classic combination, mix fresh spinach with strawberries, sliced almonds, and a poppy seed dressing for a light yet flavorful salad.
- Strawberry Gazpacho: Experiment with a cold strawberry soup, blending strawberries with tomatoes, red pepper, and cucumber for a sweet and savory chilled dish.
- Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwiches: Spread cream cheese on whole wheat bread and top with thin slices of strawberries for a quick and delightful lunch option.
- Strawberry Basil Ice Cream: An unusual but delightful combination that’s perfect for summer.
- Chutney: Great with cheese platters or as a condiment for meats.
Each of these ideas offers a unique way to celebrate the freshness and versatility of strawberries, turning your day’s harvest into an array of delightful dishes that can be enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones. From the simplest snack to more elaborate creations, strawberries can transform any meal into something special.
Preserving Strawberries for Later
Preserving strawberries for later use is a wonderful way to extend the joy of your harvest throughout the year. Strawberries, with their vibrant color and sweet flavor, are as versatile in preservation as they are in fresh preparations. One of the most popular methods is freezing.
This process is straightforward and retains much of the fruit’s original taste and nutritional value. To freeze strawberries, wash and hull them, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, which prevents the berries from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags. This method is perfect for keeping strawberries on hand for smoothies, baking, or thawing for use in recipes throughout the year.
When you have more strawberries than you can eat while they’re fresh, preservation is the key. Here are some other ways to extend the life of your strawberries:
- Making Jam: Jam is a classic way to preserve the fruit. You can experiment with adding different flavors, such as vanilla or lemon zest.
- Dehydrating: Dried strawberries are a sweet, chewy snack. Dehydrate slices in an oven or a food dehydrator.
- Syrup: Cook down strawberries with sugar to create a syrup, perfect for pancakes, waffles, or cocktails.
- Balsamic Glaze: Ideal for drizzling over grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Besides their delicious taste, strawberries are packed with nutrients:
- Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Good for heart health and blood sugar regulation.
- Low in calories and high in fiber.
Incorporating strawberries into your diet is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your health.
Strawberries in Home Decor
Now bare with me here… there are some good ideas for using strawberries that perhaps aren’t quite ideal for eating. Believe it or not, beyond the kitchen, strawberries can be used in your home decor:
- Strawberry Centerpieces: Use dehydrated strawberries in a fruit bowl for a natural and colorful table centerpiece.
- Dried Strawberry Potpourri: Combine dried strawberries with other dried fruits and spices for a fragrant potpourri.
Celebrating the Strawberry Season
Whether it’s through immediate culinary delights, preserving them for future use, or engaging in fun activities, there are countless ways to enjoy the fruits of your labor from a ‘You Pick’ strawberry field. Strawberries are not just delicious; they’re versatile and beneficial for your health. So go ahead, relish in your strawberry bounty and let your creativity blossom in both your kitchen and your home.
In Florida, you can check out where your closest Strawberry You Pick growers are. I’m sure other states have a similar list that you can easily find with a little googling.
Whether you’re looking for the simple joy of eating fresh strawberries, or are excited to try inventive ways to preserve and enjoy them throughout the year, picking your own strawberries is something you should try if you haven’t already. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or simply looking for fun activities with kids, strawberries offer a ton of possibilities when it comes to recipes, preservation, or simply to have some good old fashioned fun.
Psst…. if you’re looking for some interesting recipes that are simple and healthy, check out my book: The Homestead Table!
