Tips on how to pick strawberries and make the most of the experience

Strawberry picking is a delightful way to spend a day outdoors with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned picker or a first-timer, these strawberry picking tips will help you make the most of your experience. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy strawberry picking at Pineland Farms.

What to Bring

Before you head out, make sure you’re well-prepared for a day in the fields. Here’s a checklist inspired by Pineland Farms Produce Divisions’ advice:

• Water: Stay hydrated, but remember to bring a non-glass container.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: The fields can be expansive, so wear shoes that you can walk in comfortably.
• Gardening Clothes: Berries are juicy and can stain, so wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Cooler with Ice Packs: If you plan to pick a lot of strawberries, a cooler will help keep them fresh.
• Sunscreen and Hats: Protect yourself from the sun with a good sunscreen and a hat.
• Insect Repellent: Keep the bugs at bay to enjoy your picking experience.
• Picnic Blanket: Perfect for a relaxing break under the shade.

What to Expect at Pineland Farms

Pineland Farms provides a great environment for strawberry picking with plenty of amenities:

• Containers: Quart and flat containers are available.
• Sales: You can buy water and sunscreen if you forget to bring your own.
• Facilities: Portable toilets and hand washing stations are on site for your convenience.
• Picnic Tables: Enjoy a picnic with your freshly picked strawberries.

Picking Tips

Here are some strawberry picking tips to ensure you pick the best berries:

• Choose the Right Berries: Look for strawberries that are fully red. Avoid berries with white or green tips as they won’t ripen after being picked.
• Gentle Picking: Gently grasp the stem about half an inch above the berry and pull with a slight twist. This helps prevent damage to the fruit.
• Avoid Overfilling Containers: Overfilling can crush the berries at the bottom. Use multiple containers if necessary.
• Pick Early: The best berries are often picked in the morning when it’s cooler.

Bringing Kids

If you’re bringing kids, keep in mind that:

• Strollers and Wagons: You might need to walk a bit to reach the picking fields. A stroller or wagon can help transport your little ones and your strawberries.
• Educational Experience: Use this opportunity to teach kids about how fruits grow and the importance of agriculture.

Recipes and Preserving Tips

Make the most of your strawberries with delicious recipes and preserving tips from Pineland Farms’ strawberry brochure. Here are a few highlights:

• Strawberry Jam: A classic way to preserve the taste of summer.
• Strawberry Smoothies: Blend strawberries with yogurt and honey for a refreshing treat.
• Strawberry Bruschetta with Pineland Farms Feta: Serve your strawberries with feta for a sweet and savory delight. You can find the recipe here.
• Freezing Strawberries: Hull and freeze strawberries on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags. This prevents them from sticking together.

Conclusion

Strawberry picking at Pineland Farms is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, gather fresh fruit, and create lasting memories. By following these strawberry picking tips and preparing well, you can ensure a fun and fruitful day out.

For more information, visit Pineland Farms. Our strawberry picking fields are located at 752 Mayall Rd. New Gloucester, Maine and are open from mid-June to the last of the blueberries and flowers in August. Happy picking!