Strawberry Picking Tips & Tools

When you're out strawberry picking at Strawberry Fields, Lifton, keep an eye out for the juiciest, ripest strawberries! Look for ones that are bright red all over, with no white or green spots. And watch out for any sneaky critters who might have taken a bite already!

Now, let's pick the perfect strawberry! Hold onto the stem just above the green cap and give it a gentle twist. That'll pop the berry right off the plant. And if you accidentally pluck off a cap, well, that's just an invitation to have a tasty snack on the ride home! But be gentle—strawberries are delicate, so we want to keep them nice and fresh.

Once you've got your strawberries, it's time to head home before they get too warm in the car!

Storing Your Strawberries

Okay, so you're back home with your delicious strawberries. But how do we keep them fresh? Well, if you leave them out at room temperature, they'll only last about a day. But if you pop them in the fridge, they'll stay crisp and yummy for 4-5 days. Just remember not to wash them or take off their green tops until you're ready to eat them. That way, they'll stay super fresh and tasty!

But what if you can't eat all your strawberries right away? No problem! You can freeze them*. First, wash them and take off their tops. Then, lay them out on a tray and pop them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, you can put them in a bag and keep them in the freezer for 3-6 months. That way, you'll have yummy strawberries whenever you want!

And if you really love strawberries, there are some cool tools you can use to help you store and prepare them.

Here are some fun tools to help you store and prepare your strawberries:

1. Strawberry Huller: This handy tool makes removing the stems and cores from strawberries a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy eating them!

2. Strawberry Slicer: Say goodbye to uneven slices! A strawberry slicer helps you cut your strawberries into perfect, uniform pieces for snacks, salads, or desserts.

3. Berry Keeper: Keep your strawberries fresh for longer with a berry keeper. These containers are designed to maintain the ideal moisture levels to prevent your berries from spoiling too quickly.

4. Strawberry Freezer Trays: Freeze your strawberries in fun shapes with silicone freezer trays. Whether you want heart-shaped strawberries or cute animal designs, these trays make freezing berries extra fun!

Oh, and don't forget to have fun with your frozen strawberries! You can use them to make tasty strawberry ice lollies or yummy desserts. It's like having a taste of summer all year round!

Let's get creative with some ideas for freezing your strawberries:

1. Strawberry Ice Lollies: Blend fresh strawberries with a splash of juice or yogurt, pour the mixture into ice lolly molds, and freeze until solid. These refreshing treats are perfect for hot summer days!

2. Strawberry Frozen Yogurt: Mix pureed strawberries with Greek yogurt and a bit of honey, then freeze in a shallow dish. Once it's set, scoop out servings of creamy strawberry frozen yogurt for a guilt-free dessert.

3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Dip whole strawberries in melted chocolate, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until the chocolate hardens. These indulgent treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

4. Strawberry Sorbet: Blend frozen strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then freeze until firm. Scoop the strawberry sorbet into bowls or cones for a deliciously fruity dessert.