Kids have a big advantage when it comes to picking strawberries because they grow close to the ground. With just a little know-how, you can be a berry good berry picker.
Tips for picking terrific berries:
- Break the stem about a half an inch from the top of the berry.
- Don't pick berries that are mushy-soft, nibbled on by insects or birds, green or pink
- Don't pile your berries in a big bucket. Strawberries are heavy and have delicate skins. They can get bruised if they are piled thick, one on top of another.
- Keep your berries cool, either in the shade or the refrigerator.
- Don't wash them until you are ready to use them.
- If you are going to eat your strawberries right away, you can go picking any time.
- If you need your berries to last for longer, try to pick in the morning or in the early evening when it's cooler.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen so you don't become red as a berry yourself.
Strawberries taste wonderfully good and are high in vitamin C, which helps your body heal, resist infections, and keeps your bones, gums, and teeth healthy. There are lots of ways to enjoy strawberries: in muffins, jam, salad, salsa, and simply by themselves.
