Hello, strawberry season 2025 – the sweetest time of the year is finally here!
I hope that you are just excited as I am, or maybe even more. Seriously – there isn’t a better feeling in the world than biting into a fresh, juicy strawberry during a hot, sunny day. Well, biting onto a watermelon comes pretty close but that is a story for another day.
Maybe you have grown your own strawberry plants, or maybe you are just about to go to a strawberry field to harvest some – doesn’t matter either way. I personally find strawberry picking such a fun activity that at the same time connects you with natural and rewards you with a delicious basket full of fresh, sun-ripened fruits.
The first time I picked my own strawberries? I was above 30. Yes. I grew up in a capital and I had no access to either a garden or a strawberry field anywhere around me. So I decided to create this post for those like me – that didn’t really have any experience with strawberry harvesting.
In this post, you will find all the informations that you need for how to pick strawberries like a pro, aka my top 6 tips for choosing the juiciest fruits, when are these delicious fruits ready to harvest and the best ways to store your fresh strawberries.
When Are Strawberries Ready to Pick?
Or in other words: when is strawberry picking season?
Strawberries are typically ready for picking in late spring to early summer, depending on your region. So the usual months are May and June.
According to experts, strawberries are usually ripe and ready about four weeks after blossoms appear. However, if you are unsure when your strawberry plants have started flowering or if you are just visiting a strawberry field to harvest some, here are the best signs to look out for to choose the best time to pick strawberries:
- A ripe strawberry is fully red – from the tip to the top – with no white or green areas
- The berry should feel firm but not hard
- If you get close enough – ready-to-harvest strawberries usually have a sweet, fragrant smell
- The stem where the leaves are attached to the strawberry might turn slightly pink
Do Strawberries Ripen After Picking?
No, strawberries do not continue to ripen once separated from the plant. That’s why it’s important to only pick berries that are fully red and ripe. Under-ripe strawberries will remain sour and firm, even after a few days.
How to Select the Perfect Strawberries
- Look for berries with a deep, even red color.
- Avoid fruits with green tips or white shoulders.
- Check for plumpness and a glossy surface – signs of freshness.
- Skip any berries with soft spots or signs of mold.
- Smell the fruit – ripe strawberries have a strong, sweet fragrance.
Helpful Tools for Strawberry Picking
- Flat containers: Prevent stacking to avoid bruising.
- Garden scissors or snips: Helpful for snipping the stem without damaging the fruit (optional).
- Sun hat & sunscreen: Strawberry fields offer little shade.
- Kneepads or a garden cushion: Helpful for long picking sessions.
- Wipes or hand sanitizer: Useful for quick cleanups after picking.
How long does strawberry picking take? This depends on how big is the field and how many fruts are ready to be harvested. In my personal experience, it took us about 30 to 45 minutes to collect 5kg of fresh strawberries in most cases.
6 Tips for the Sweetest Harvest
Ready to head over to that strawberry field? Here are my top 6 tips.
- Go early – it pays off: Arrive in the morning when the fruit is freshest and less exposed to the sun. You’ll beat the crowds and get first pick of the ripest berries.
- Prepare your container: Use a basket that provides enough horizontal space for the strawberries – you don’t want them becoming squished. Some strawberry fields offer a container that you can pay extra for on the spot if you forget yours.
- Avoid the outer rows: The outer rows are often picked over. Head deeper into the field for untouched berries that are bigger and better.
- Pick with care: Twist the berry gently or snip with scissors, leaving a small piece of stem – about 0,5 to 1 cm. This keeps the fruit fresh longer and reduces bruising. The scissors that I mentioned earlier come in-handy here.
- Choose smaller berries: Don’t overlook the smaller fruits – they’re often the sweetest!
- Ask about pesticide use: Especially if you’re planning to eat as you pick, ask whether the farm uses sprays. Many U-pick farms offer organic or low-spray fields.
How to Store Fresh Strawberries
Proper storage extends the life and flavor of your strawberries. Here’s how:
- Do not wash until ready to eat – moisture encourages mold.
- Keep them dry in a breathable container lined with paper towels.
- Don’t squish them – make sure that the strawberries are not squished, align them horizontally on a flat tray if possible
- Store in the fridge, preferably in the crisper drawer at high humidity.
- Eat within 2–3 days for best flavor and texture.
- Separate the black “sheep” – if you see injured strawberries or moldy spots – separate those from the rest.
In my experience, freshly picked strawberries were still tasting great for about 3 days in the fridge. After that, I noticed that they started rapidly becoming softer and losing part of their strong aroma.
Can You Freeze Strawberries?
Yes! Strawberries freeze well and can be used later for smoothies, desserts, or jam.
This is how to freeze strawberries (it’s a piece-of-cake honestly):
- Wash and gently pat dry the berries.
- Remove the stems (optional, depending on usage).
- Option: Cut if necessary – for example, if I have large strawberries, I like to cut them into little cubes if I plan to use them in my morning oats or for making ice cream.
- If not cutting: Spread out on a baking tray and freeze individually.
- Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- Use within 6–8 months for best quality.
Final Thoughts
For me, strawberry picking is a little summer highlight every year – simple, honest, and incredibly delicious. Between the sweet smell, red-stained fingers, and a full basket, it feels like a treasure hunt for grown-ups. If you’ve never tried it: you absolutely should!
