All About Strawberries

All about Strawberries, from how to pick out Strawberries, how to eat Strawberries, how to store them, and more.

What are Strawberries?

Strawberries are a beloved fruit known for their bright red color, juicy texture, and sweet, slightly tart flavor. They belong to the genus Fragaria and fun fact, they’re the only fruit with seeds on the outside!

What do Strawberries taste like?

Strawberries can be sweet and or tangy in flavor, which can vary depending on their ripeness and the variety. When fully ripe, strawberries are juicy and sweet. We love fresh picked strawberries!

What types of Strawberries are there?

There are three main types of strawberries:

• June-bearing Strawberries
  • These produce a single, large crop per year.
  • Harvest typically occurs over a period of 3 weeks.
  • Produces large, flavorful berries.
• Everbearing Strawberries
  • Produce 2 crops annually.
  • First crop comes in early summer, the second in early fall.
  • You can enjoy an extended harvest season with everbearing.
• Day-neutral Strawberries
  • These are capable of producing fruit throughout the growing season from July-October.
  • Not sensitive to day length (hence day-neutral) for flowering.
  • These will provide you with a consistent supply of strawberries throughout the season (weather permitting).

Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins. They are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, as well as a bit of folate, and potassium. Just like other berries, strawberries are rich in fiber. They’re also lower in calories and carbs!

When are Strawberries in season?

Strawberries are typically in season from spring to early summer. In some warmer climates, strawberry season can start as early as January or even February and extend through July. In cooler areas, like NJ, the season runs from June to July. ‘

This season will also depend on the type of strawberries being grown.

How to Grow Strawberries

Strawberries require a sunny area. They can be planted in containers, raised beds, or containers. We love growing strawberries in our Greenstalk Planter Vertical Garden and even over winter our strawberries in them.

The planting method will vary depending on the type of strawberry you’re growing:

• June-bearing and everbearing: Plant these berries in early spring as soon as the soil is workable.
• Day-neutral: These strawberries be planted throughout the growing season as long as there’s enough time for them to establish before extreme heat or cold.

You’ll want to make sure you’re regularly watering the berries. We also suggest mulching as it will help the soil retain moisture as well as keep the strawberries out of the soil.

Strawberries are also the gift that keeps giving. Strawberries are perennials, capable of producing fruit for 3-4 years after a single planting. You can take the runners and then place them into soil and let them root and viola, another strawberry plant! We recommend doing this with established plants as new plants need to work on their root growth.

If you do not want more strawberry plants you should trim off the runners.

How to Store Strawberries

Store strawberries in the refrigerator. Some like to store in glass jars to extend their freshness. Strawberries should be washed just before eating or if you’ll be enjoying with 2 days.

How to Pick Out Strawberries

When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries with a fresh, green stems and no signs of bruising or mold. The strawberries should be plump and firm, with a uniform color indicating ripeness.

Avoid berries with white or green areas, as these are underripe and will likely be sour berries. We also recommend checking the bottom of the strawberry container for any signs of spoiled or mushy berries.

How to Freeze Strawberries

To freeze strawberries, wash and hull them, then pat dry. Place them in a single layer on parchment paper or silpat lined baking sheet with space in between them. Place them in the freeze for 4 hours or until frozen solid.

Once frozen, transfer the strawberries to a freezer bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to use individual berries as needed.

How to Enjoy Strawberries

Strawberries are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways, not just fresh eating. From Strawberry Popsicles, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Strawberry Pancakes, Strawberry Watermelon Juice, and so much more!