Brandywine Table: Strawberry Season
Just may be the best season of the year!
It’s the perfect season for fresh produce, as gardens come alive in early summer. Farm markets and CSAs are fantastic ways to support local producers, but there’s nothing like picking something right off the plant itself to use in your own kitchen.
Tending a garden is a special way to connect with nature and the food on your table. But lucky for those of us with lessthan- green thumbs, many local farms and orchards offer visitors the option to “Pick Your Own.” And PYO spots are to be cherished, especially those offering up the star of June — strawberries!
In early summer, strawberries reign supreme. They’re one of the most popular pick-your-own fruits, perfect for small hands that might sneak a few right off the vine. Sweet summer strawberries are perfect for everything from drinks to salads, pies to marinades.
Picking fresh fruit has evolved over the years, according to Art Whitchair at Highland Orchards, one of the oldest family-run farms in our area, located outside West Chester. “Picking your own has changed from serious canners looking to make jam for the winter to a family activity, where you can enjoy eating the fruit together later that day,” he said. From Memorial Day through fall, the fields are full of people gathering fresh fruit — weather-dependent, of course.
Pick-your-own is a wonderful way to teach kids about not just fresh strawberries but all aspects of farm life. From how to tell whether fruit is ripe to seeing farm machinery up close, a trip to an orchard is an experience for all ages, creating lasting memories.
“Quite a few guests, including a local celebrity, were surprised to learn strawberries grow on low-lying plants and not on bushes or trees,” said Alan Hodge, a third-generation family member running Highland Orchards. “We chuckle when guests show up with picking poles for apples because most fruit on our dwarf apple trees can be reached between 1 and 6 feet off the ground.”
For those who prefer to skip working in the fields, most orchards have a farm market selling jams, cider, baked goods and more. At Highland Orchards, no trip is complete without their famous apple cider donuts, best enjoyed on the playground or before feeding cracked corn to goats in the pen nearby. “Everyone is welcome to visit Highland Orchards’ farmers market and pick your own crops almost all year round,” said Hodge.
The true joy of picking your own produce is literally enjoying the fruits of your labor. Plus there are unlimited ideas for cooking with strawberries, from traditional to modern inspirations. Just remember to wash them first!