Summertime invites an activity many people look forward to every year: strawberry picking! If you’re looking to get into the summer spirit, there’s no better way than by heading to your local strawberry farm and filling up a basket with sweet, ripe strawberries. But what should you look for when picking strawberries? What are the qualities of the best berries? In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the perfect strawberries! So grab your Strawberry Picker, and let’s get started!
Things to Look for When Picking Strawberries
1. Size
Look for strawberries that are a uniform size. Smaller or larger berries can be less ripe than ones that are the perfect size. Use your Strawberry Picker to gently lift the strawberry from its stem. The strawberry should come off with ease, without taking the stem with it. If the stem is still attached, the strawberry isn’t ripe yet.
2. Color
The strawberry should be a deep red color with no green hues. A slight white hue is normal and indicates that the strawberry is ripe. Avoid strawberries that have brown spots or bruising; these berries are overripe and won’t taste as tart.
3. Smell
Take a whiff of the strawberry. The strawberry should smell sweet and fragrant. If it doesn’t smell like anything, it’s probably not ripe yet. If the strawberry smells sour or fermented, it’s overripe and should be thrown out or used in compost.
4. Shape
The strawberry should be firm and plump, with a pointed tip. Avoid berries that are mushy or have flat sides. The mushiness and flat side are a sure sign that the strawberry is overripe. Berries that are still white or have green spots are not ripe yet and will taste sour.
5. Texture
The berry should be firm but not too hard. If it’s too soft, it’s overripe and will probably be mushy through the whole berry. The strawberry should have a glossy sheen and shouldn’t be dull looking. If the strawberry is hard or has a mealy texture, it is underripe.
6. Plumpness
The strawberry should be plump with smooth skin. If the strawberry is wrinkled, it’s overripe. If the berry feels crunchy, it’s probably too dry. The seeds will also tell you a lot about the berries — if the seeds are too hard, the strawberry is unripe. If the seeds are dark brown, the berry is past its prime.
7. Taste
The best way to tell if a strawberry is ripe is to taste it! Take a bite of the strawberry, being careful not to bite the stem. The strawberry should be sweet and juicy. If it’s tart or sour, it’s not ripe yet. If it’s bland or tasteless, it’s overripe.
Once Picked…
Storage
Once you’ve picked the perfect strawberries, it’s essential to store them properly so they don’t go bad. The strawberry should be kept in a cool, dry place.
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You can store strawberries in the fridge but be sure to put them in a container or plastic bag, so they don’t get squished. Placing strawberries in a freezer is a great way to store them for later use. Just wash them, remove the stem, and put them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Preparing
When ready to eat your strawberries, wash them under cool, running water.
Gently rub the strawberry with your fingers or a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris as well as any residual pesticides.
Serving
There are endless ways to enjoy strawberries! Eat them as is, or add them to a fruit salad, yogurt, cereal, or smoothie. You can also use them to make strawberry jam, strawberry shortcake, or strawberry pie. With their vibrant, tart, and sweet flavor, strawberries are a delicious addition or base for sweet treats!No matter how you eat them, strawberries are a delicious and nutritious treat!
How Strawberry Picker Can Help You
Picking strawberries can be a tricky business, but a Strawberry Picker can help you pick berries perfectly every time. This handy tool is designed to grip the strawberry at the stem, so you can gently lift it off without damaging the fruit.
The Strawberry Picker is also great for getting those hard-to-reach berries. With Strawberry Picker, you can pick strawberries more efficiently than ever before!
Now that you know what to look for when picking strawberries head to your local strawberry farm and fill up your basket! Be sure to enjoy some of your delicious berries while you’re there.
