May is National Strawberry Month; Enjoy “Maryland’s Best” Produce Now
Strawberries Mark the Beginning of Maryland’s Growing Season
Spring is in full swing and with the new season comes the availability of delicious Maryland fruits and vegetables. Sweet Maryland Strawberries are now available for National Strawberry Month as are fresh asparagus, rhubarb, and greens.
“Crops are about two weeks ahead of schedule this year due to the warm winter and early spring,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Be sure to buy sweet, juicy strawberries and local asparagus now while they are in season.”
When selecting sweet Maryland strawberries, consumers should look for a full, red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so be sure to choose fully ripe berries. The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached.
According the USDA National Agriculture Statistic Service’s Agricultural Census, Maryland farms harvest approximately 248 acres of strawberries on 150 farms. Due to the warm spring, farmers are now picking strawberries across the state. Consumers can buy fresh, local, Maryland strawberries at farmers’ markets, pick-your-own operations, farm stands, and grocery stores. To find a location near you, visit Maryland's Best.
Strawberry Facts and Tips
• Select plump, firm, fully red berries. The small berries are often most flavorful.
• Strawberries measurements: 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and weighs 1.25 lbs to 1.5 lbs (or 600 to 700 g). The weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings
• One cup of strawberries contains around 43 calories.
• Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
• It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart if the berries are reasonably plentiful.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Vacuum food sealers do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
Strawberries Mark the Beginning of Maryland’s Growing Season
Spring is in full swing and with the new season comes the availability of delicious Maryland fruits and vegetables. Sweet Maryland Strawberries are now available for National Strawberry Month as are fresh asparagus, rhubarb, and greens.
“Crops are about two weeks ahead of schedule this year due to the warm winter and early spring,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Be sure to buy sweet, juicy strawberries and local asparagus now while they are in season.”
When selecting sweet Maryland strawberries, consumers should look for a full, red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so be sure to choose fully ripe berries. The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached.
According the USDA National Agriculture Statistic Service’s Agricultural Census, Maryland farms harvest approximately 248 acres of strawberries on 150 farms. Due to the warm spring, farmers are now picking strawberries across the state. Consumers can buy fresh, local, Maryland strawberries at farmers’ markets, pick-your-own operations, farm stands, and grocery stores. To find a location near you, visit Maryland's Best.
Strawberry Facts and Tips
• Select plump, firm, fully red berries. The small berries are often most flavorful.
• Strawberries measurements: 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and weighs 1.25 lbs to 1.5 lbs (or 600 to 700 g). The weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings
• One cup of strawberries contains around 43 calories.
• Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
• It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart if the berries are reasonably plentiful.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Vacuum food sealers do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.