Strawberries Are in Season: Here’s Where to Pick Them in Nashville
Spring has arrived in Tennessee, heralding in the delicious and vibrant season of strawberries. Savory the taste of this luscious fruit by venturing to pick them fresh and pick more of those seasonal produce at the plentiful local farms in Middle Tennessee.
Why Pick Seasonal
According to the distinguished Seasonal Food Guide, consuming seasonal produce aligns with the time of their harvest. Supporting local produce has myriad benefits – endorsing local farmers, bolstering the regional economy, and facilitating an understanding of the food’s origins and cultivation methods.
“Produce harvested at the peak of its ripeness often boasts superior taste and flavor,” quoted the Seasonal Food Guide. It justified that locally grown, seasonal fruits, and vegetables negate the need for long-distance transport, ensuring their freshness. A sharp contrast to the out-of-season produce which is harvested prematurely for shipping and retail distribution.
Where to Find Strawberries in Middle Tennessee
As per Pick Tennessee Products, an initiative by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, several farms in Middle Tennessee offer strawberry picking opportunity. It’s important to verify the availability beforehand. Here are some notable ones:
- Dickson County: Welker’s Farm
- Robertson County: Blocker Farms, Head’s Farm
- Rutherford County: Bloomsbury Farm, Lucky Ladd Farms
- Sumner County: Bradley Kountry Acres and Greenhouse, Crafton Farms
- Trousdale County: Kelley’s Berry Farm
- Wilson County: Circle S Farms, Jammy Farms
Guidelines for Picking Strawberries
If you seek the best strawberries, go for the glossy ones and skip those marred with visible bruises, mushiness, or mould. Pick Tennessee Products recommends choosing strawberries devoid of any traces of white at the stem, implying a rich, red shade signifies their ripeness.
Storing Strawberries the Right Way
To enjoy your freshly picked strawberries longer, it’s important to store them appropriately. Mold can expedite the deterioration process of strawberries. Therefore, discard the moldy ones to prevent spoiling the rest. To extend the shelf life of strawberries, store them in a container lined with paper towels and refrigerate.
In-season Fruits and Vegetables in Tennessee
For all those who relish fresh, seasonal produce, here’s what Tennessee has on offer, according to Pick Tennessee Products. Expect these fruits and veggies to be in season in the months of March, April, and May:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Collard Greens
- Herbs
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Mustard Greens
- Onions
- Raspberries (summer bearing)
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Turnips
