Strawberry season sprouts up @ Jones Family Farms in Shelton, CT

Update:  flex those berry pickin’ fingers, strawberry season begins this Thursday (6/6) from 8 am – 5:30 pm!  

In our minds, it’s officially summer when berry picking begins.  Up until then, we just call the lead up to these great moments at local farms pre-summer-berry days.  Sure, you could just go out to your local grocery store and get packages of strawberries, but you’re missing out on something when you do that.  You’re missing out on the experience of bending down, finding the perfect berries (and not getting stuck with the runts of the litter), picking them, then piling them up in your basket.  And, you’re missing the whole local vibe, supporting the people and farms that live near you.  All that being said, there’s something about food that tastes better when you’ve put energy and effort into it…right?

So, you’ll want to get down to either Jones Family Farms @ Pumpkinseed Hill or Valley Farm and get picking your strawberries!  Only cash or personal checks are accepted as form of payment, so come prepared.  If you have your box from last year and use it, you can get a discount, too.  If you have more than 8 lbs. of berries, you’ll get $1 off, or if you have less than 8 lbs. you’ll get .30 off.

You won’t have to wait much longer because you can begin to pick your strawberries this Thursday, 6/6!  For the most up to date info, check out their FB page or call up the strawberry addiction hotline at (203) 929-8425.  Also, get ready because just a few more weeks and it’ll be blueberry season, too!

Pumpkinseed Hill is located at 130 Beardsley Road and Valley Farm is located at 555 Walnut Tree Hill Road, both in Shelton.

And, just to finish things off, look at all the amazing recipes that Jones Family Farms have created for you so you can work your magic with the strawberries that you pick:

• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp:

  The tart flavors of fresh rhubarb pair perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries in this simple fruit crisp.

• Strawberry Basil Iced Tea:

  You can also make this refreshing beverage with mint or other fresh herbs.

• Strawberry Smoothies:

  Use frozen berries to make these healthy smoothies year-round.

• Strawberry Balsamic Salad with Goat Cheese:

  Combine Jones Grown strawberries and greens with CT grown goat cheese for a local twist on this early summer salad.

• Spinach Salad with Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette:

  This colorful vinaigrette can be made with fresh or frozen berries.

• Strawberry Salsa:

  Great with corn chips, pita chips, or served on top of fish and chicken.

• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:

  An elegant way to finish any meal.

• Whole Berry Strawberry Syrup:

  This strawberry syrup is an excellent way to preserve strawberries for winter.  Tastes great on ice cream and pancakes!

• Balsamic Strawberry and Mozzarella Flatbread:

  This savory fruit pizza makes the perfect summer appetizer

• Strawberry Shortcake
• Frozen Strawberry Granita:

  Top with Jones Raspberry Rhapsody Wine for a cool, elegant, summer dessert.

• Fresh Strawberry Pie:  This recipe always gets rave reviews!