Is there anything quite as delicious as a ripe, red strawberry plucked right from the vine? When it comes to growing your produce, strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to cultivate - but when is the best time to harvest them? And how do you go about doing it? Keep reading for all you need to know about picking strawberries!

The History Of Strawberries

Red starwberry growing on plant

Image credits: Geoluro11 via Pixabay

Did you know that the strawberry is a member of the rose family? This fruit has been around for centuries, and its popularity is only increasing.

The first strawberries were grown in ancient Rome and were considered a symbol of love and fertility. The Romans believed that eating strawberries would bring them good luck in their quest for children.

Strawberries made their way to France in the 13th century, where they were used to make wine. It wasn't until the 16th century that strawberries began to be used as a food item, and gained popularity quickly.

Today, strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or even made into jam. No matter how you enjoy them, strawberries are a delicious and nutritious treat.

What You’ll Need

  • Gloves
  • Basket
  • Paper bag or plastic container

Step-By-Step Guide on When and How to Harvest Your Strawberries

The strawberry picking season is upon us! If you're lucky enough to have your strawberry patch (or know someone who does), then it's time for picking. Here are some tips on when and how to harvest your fruit:

Step One: Timing It Just Right

close up of vertical hydroponic planters for strawberries

Image credits: Soo Ann Woon via Unsplash

When it comes to picking strawberries, timing is everything. If you pick them too early, they won't be ripe and sweet. But if you wait too long, the birds will get to them first! So how can you tell when your strawberries are ripe and ready to be picked?

Here are a few tips:

  • Look for berries that are plump and red all the way around. Avoid berries that are green or have white patches - these aren't quite ready yet.
  • Gently press on the strawberry with your thumb. If it's ripe, it will give just a little bit.
  • Smell the strawberry! Ripe strawberries should have a sweet, fragrant aroma.

Step Two: Be Gentle!

gardener picking strawberries

Image credit: zoranm via Canva

Harvesting these delicious fruits can be a bit of a challenge. But with a little patience and the right techniques, picking strawberries can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Here are some tips for picking strawberries:

  • As we outlined in step one, wait for the berries to ripen. This is the most important step in picking strawberries. Make sure the berries are nice and red before picking them. If they're not ripe, they won't be as sweet and flavorful.
  • Inspect the berries before picking them. Take a look at the strawberry and make sure there are no green spots or bruising. Avoid these berries as they will not be as tasty.
  • Gently twist the strawberry to detach it from the stem. You don't want to pull too hard, or you'll risk damaging the fruit.
  • Place the strawberry in your picking container. Be careful not to damage the berries by placing them in too roughly.
  • Repeat the above until you've picked all the strawberries you want!

Step Three: Storing Your Freshly Picked Strawberries

Freshly growing and vine ripened organic strawberries

Image credits: Kristin Mitchell via Canva

To store your freshly picked strawberries, keep them in a cool, dry place. The best way to do this is to put them in the fridge as soon as possible. You can also put them in a paper bag or plastic container with holes in it so that they can breathe.

Whatever method you choose, make sure to wash the strawberries first. Gently rinse them under cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel before storing them. This will help them last longer and taste fresher.

Alternatively, you can eat them right away! Strawberries are best when eaten immediately after they are picked. If you can't eat them all right away, store them in the refrigerator for up to a day or two. Enjoy your fresh strawberries!

In Summary

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start picking! And when you do, be sure to keep these tips in mind. Do you have any tips or tricks of your own that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below – we would love to hear from you. Happy strawberry picking!