How to Pick Your Own Strawberry Field

Different types of strawberries ripen at different times. Some cultivars ripen in the spring; others in early summer. Your strawberries are ready for picking when they are fully red. Never pluck strawberries that still have some green coloring, because they will not continue to ripen after harvesting. Picking them in the morning rather than in the heat of midday helps prevent bruising and early softening. Using the proper harvesting technique also wards off bruising. Most types of strawberries will bruise unless you pick them with part of the stem still attached to the fruit.

Things You'll Need

Containers

Plastic wrap

Instructions

- 1
  Place your forefinger and thumbnail on the stem, so that the tips rest at least 1/2 inch above the berry.
- 2
  Twist the stem slightly and pull it gently to remove the strawberry from the vine. Ideally, leave about 1/2 inch of stem attached to the strawberry.
- 3
  Tilt your hand so that the strawberry rolls into your palm. Continue plucking strawberries until you have about three to four in your palm.
- 4
  Place the berries in a shallow container carefully; do not allow them to drop from a distance, because this can bruise the flesh.
- 5
  Move the leaves of the plants aside as you work to check for strawberries hidden from view.
- 6
  Separate damaged or rotting berries as you harvest your plants. Discard them; do not place them in your container with the healthy fruit.
- 7
  Store your container with berries in the shade or bring it inside to the refrigerator while you fill up another container. Harvested berries kept in the sun or warm temperatures will spoil quickly.

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