As a matter of fact, there are three types of strawberries and they only differ mainly in their production form of preparation. The picking of strawberries should always be done in good timing and with the correct technique in order to ensure you will be able to consume the best flavor you can have. Here’s what you’ll learn to take you to the strawberry plants harvest of the best. A guide on when and how to pick strawberries at their peak flavor.
Understanding the Strawberry Growth Cycle
Let’s start with the growth cycle of strawberries. Most strawberry varieties have a pretty predictable seasonal growth cycle. In most regions, strawberries flower in the spring and are ready to be picked by late spring/early summer. That’s the general rule, but the type of strawberry you’re using and the climate in your area will determine the exactStrawberries are a good fruit; they are famous for their attractive color, sweetness, and versatility in whatever timing.
June-bearing strawberries produce only one major crop annually. This usually occurs in June. Ever-bearing produce fruits both at the end of spring and at the end of summer or very early fall so you can expect multiple harvests throughout the season. The continuously bearing day-neutral strawberries produce fruit constantly, continuing right through the growing season and without regard to day length. Knowing when your strawberries will yield will help in the best-timed harvest.
When to Harvest Strawberries
Strawberries have certain dates when they have to be harvested in order to ripen in flavor to full effect. Here are some observable symptoms that will find you arriving at the determination of whether your strawberries are ripe for harvest:
- Color: Strawberries picked at maturity should be altogether red. Although some of the varieties have a little white or greenish tinge at the top side of the stem, the fruit trees should have generally red rich, bright color. Do not pick mostly green or pale colored strawberries-they will not taste and flavor sweet.
- Size: The size of the strawberry will certainly depend on the variety, though most of the bigger ones have been ripening. Nonetheless, size is not a good indicator of strawberry ripening, and it needs to be combined with color and firmness to be reliable.
- Firmness: Fresh strawberries are firm yet soft to the touch. If the berry is too hard, it will probably take some time before it ripens. When mushy, it may be over-ripened.
- Ease of Harvesting: When you gently pull on a ripe strawberry, it comes out easily from the plant. In case you have to pull with force, berries are probably not yet ready.
Strawberry picking at the proper ripeness will give you sweet flavoring and also maximize fruiting in the whole season.
How to Pick Strawberries
Knowing when to pick strawberries is just half the battle; knowing how to pick strawberries right will ensure that they won’t lose their quality and flavor.
- Clean Hand: Before touching strawberries, it is a must to have clean hands to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria onto the fruit.
- Time: The fruits are to be collected in the early morning hours when dew is starting to evaporate and the temperature of sun is almost reaching its extreme. It avoids the loss of flavors as well as the texture of fruits.
- Hold Berry Lightly: To collect the berries, sandwich the berry between your index finger and your thumb. Hold it lightly using heavy pressure so that you don’t crush the fruit.
- Twist and Pull: A little twist loosens the berry from the stem. Berries should be picked with a small portion of the stem attached to aid in retaining freshness.
- Do not Overpack: Do not pack containers fuller when picking strawberries. Overpacking bruises fruit, which can easily start to rot. This then spoils the taste and the quality of the fruit.
- Find Hidden Berries: Many times, the ready strawberries and apple are lying under the leaves or behind other fruits. Ensure that you check all corners of the apple trees and gather all your ripe apple.
Storage and Enjoying Your Harvest
After harvesting your strawberries, proper storage will be important so you can enjoy fruits you just picked freshly for as long as possible. Here are the general guidelines:
- Avoid washing before storing: Strawberries should be only washed when placed in the refrigerator for consumption. If you have already washed them before storing them, then you are contributing to the development of molds and spoilage.
- In a shallow container, keep your unwashed strawberries covered in paper towels. You must loosely cover strawberries with plastic or a lid because it can let only that amount of moisture remain while letting air circulation. This can keep fresh strawberries for up to one week.
- Saving Strawberries: Freezing strawberries If you cannot consume all your strawberries immediately or have a large harvest, freeze them. First, wash and remove the stems from the strawberries. Lay them on a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet inside your freezer for several hours. Keep them in an airtight container. Frozen strawberries add so much flavor to smoothies, desserts, or homemade jams.
Harvesting for the Best Possible Flavor
If you want to enjoy strawberries with the most flavor, here are what you can do:
- Mixing: strawberries go very well with several other ingredients. It can be mixed with balsamic vinegar to become a deliciously sour dressing for the salad; it can also be mixed with yogurt to become a tasty snack.
- Cooking: Fresh strawberries are excellent on their own, but they really cook down the flavors. Roasted with honey or baked in pies and tarts really attracts and showcases the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Preserving: It can also be preserved through homemade strawberry jam or preserves. And it is in the attempt to stretch the time used to relish your strawberries and in the meantime condense the flavor of your strawberries into smaller forms.
Conclusion
Proper harvesting of strawberries at the right time with techniques means you have strawberries maximally flavored. It is knowing growth cycles, knowing when to pick, and knowing how to store and enjoy strawberries that let you really enjoy and relish the sweetness contained in this lovely fruit. Whether you grow strawberries in your home or purchase them from a farm out in your neighborhood, you will surely have a sumptuously rewarding strawberry experience. Enjoy the sweetness of your hard labor, then. Share it with others- strawberry delights.
