Strawberry season is upon us, which means delicious red berries ripe for the picking.
Strawberries have a way of bringing many small communities together; the strawberry supper or picnic is an annual tradition in many rural villages, a sort of communal celebration of the season. The onset of strawberry season is eagerly anticipated, as much for the festivities as the sweet, delicious taste of the fruit.
The appeal of freshly-picked strawberries goes beyond rural villages, though. Increasingly, people living urban lifestyles are embracing the concept of fresh, locally-grown produce. They realize that in-season fruits and vegetables, which haven't been shipped over hundreds of miles, taste better, are healthier, and leave a smaller carbon footprint on the planet.
And then there's the obvious attraction of picking your own strawberries directly from a farmer's field. A couple hours spent out in the country picking strawberries directly from the plant (and perhaps eating a few along the way) is a great outing for a young family and is sure to create some fond memories. It's more popular than ever: agri-tourism is growing rapidly, with strawberry picking being one of the leading reasons behind the recent surge.
Residents of Halton Hills are lucky to have a couple pick-your-own farms to choose from, foremost among then Andrew's Scenic Acres and nearby Milton's Springridge Farms (until recently, Allison's Farm Market in Georgetown offered strawberry picking, but now just sell freshly-harvested berries).
Strawberries can also be found at the Acton and Georgetown Farmers' Markets.
"Strawberries ripen in June and July. The last couple of years the season started around June 20, but we may be two or three weeks earlier than normal this year because of the warm spring," says Bert Andrews, whose farm has 35 acres devoted to cultivating strawberries, making it the largest pick-your-own farm in Halton.
"The (July 1) Canada Day Weekend is generally the peak. By then, we're halfway through the season."
Picking too early or too late in the season will be unrewarding; you'll get either unripe fruit or the undesirable leftovers. It's always a good idea to call the farm before you go to ensure they still have stock, and to verify hours of operation. Also, ask about containers. Some farms- like Andrew's Scenic Acres- provide baskets at a small fee, while others will insist you bring your own containers.
There's no doubt that picking strawberries directly from the field can make for an enjoyable time, but first-time pickers sometimes have their experience spoiled by not being prepared. Ideally, leave early in the day because fields can be picked clean by noon, especially on weekends. Also, be sure to dress appropriately.
"Strawberry farms are working farms, so you need appropriate footwear, such as running shoes or hiking shoes," says Bert Andrews. "Also, remember that you'll be out in an open field with the full weight of the sun beating down on you without any shade, so it's vital that you bring a hat and a drink so you remain hydrated."
There's no right or wrong way to pick strawberries, but there are certainly tips that experienced hands are aware of.
For example, when picking, always select plump, firm, fully red berries. Unlike many fruit, strawberries will not ripen once picked, so there is no point in taking unripe berries.
To get the best berries, get down low, push the leaves aside and look for fully-red berries. Taking the time to spread the foliage will often reward you with overlooked, ripened specimens.
When the sun is bright and high in the sky, and the day is hot and clear, people head off to strawberry fields in crowds. And yet, the best time to pick is in the morning or on cool, cloudy days. This isn't just because it allows you to avoid the crowds. Rather, it's because strawberries picked in the heat of the day quickly become soft and bruise easily.
Never pile berries more than five inches deep, as you'll bruise the lower ones, and never put them in plastic bags. Also, avoid the temptation to over-purchase because strawberries rot quickly in room temperature.
There are a couple of ways to keep your strawberries fresh longer. Store strawberries, unwashed, in the fridge; washing the fruit can lead to spoiling. Before serving, bring them to room temperature. Lightly rinse the berries and then serve. Never soak strawberries; they absorb the water and the flavor is spoiled.
You can also freeze any berries you won't be using right away. Once thawed, they taste almost as fresh as when first bought. To freeze, simply clean the berries, tear off the stem, and place them in an air-tight bag. Your berries will last for months.
"Who doesn't like strawberry jam? That's a great use of fresh strawberries, because the jam will be more flavourful," says Andrews, noting that Andrew's Scenic Acres is a one-stop shop for jamming, with all the necessary supplies and equipment.
"And of course, is sealed and stored properly, the jam will last for years."
Strawberry jam. Strawberry pie. Strawberry tarts. They remind us of lazy summer days under the warm sun. They're ways to celebrate the season.
Though harvests might not last long, strawberry season is always looked forward to as a highlight of the summer. Why not take full advantage and experience picking this tantalizing fruit yourself at one of Halton Hills' local pick-your-own farms?

Halton Hills-area Strawberry Farms
Allison's Farm Market
10636 Eightth Line
Georgetown
905-873-9810
Market fresh strawberries only; no pick-your-own

Andrew's Scenic Acres
9365 10 Sideroad
Milton
Phone: 905-878-5807
Web: www.andrewsscenicacres.com
8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Springridge Farms
7256 Bell School Line
Milton
Phone: 905-878-5807
Email: info@springridgefarms.com
Web: www.springridgefarms.com
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily