Fresh Strawberry Picking & Handling Tips

Pick all the ripe fruit on each plant – large and small - in your assigned row. Look under the leaves because strawberries hide well! Leave bad fruit next to your row.

Always pick strawberries with the stem on. To remove the berries, pinch the stem from the plant. Handle gently and don’t pile your berries too high in the container.

Strawberries picked in the early morning or evening will hold better than strawberries picked in the heat of the day.

Protect strawberries from the direct sun and heat once picked. Take your berries straight home after picking.

Sort the berries right away, using the ripest berries first.

Do not wash strawberries until you are ready to use them. Water will speed the ripening once they are off the vine.

Refrigerate strawberries loosely in a covered container.

Before using, rinse strawberries with a splash of water, remove the hull and let drain.

ENJOY!