Strawberries Mark the Beginning of Maryland’s Growing Season: It’s Time to Enjoy “Maryland’s Best” Produce

Russ Shlagel, Shlagel Farms in Charles County

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Despite cool temperatures this spring, Maryland farmers are beginning to harvest their earliest crops: asparagus, rhubarb, greens and sweet Maryland strawberries. 

“Strawberries, asparagus, and the other early crops are starting to get into full swing,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “Our surveys show that most Marylanders want local produce. Now is the time of year they’ll start having a chance to buy local fruits and vegetables.”

When selecting sweet Maryland strawberries, consumers should be sure to look for a full, red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so consumers should be sure to choose fully ripe berries. The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached.

According the just released U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2012 Agricultural Census, Maryland farms harvested approximately 220 acres of strawberries on 187 farms. Harvest has been delayed this spring, due to cool weather. As of May 5, Maryland strawberries were 61 percent bloomed. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 73 percent were blooming by the same time last year.  Consumers can expect Maryland strawberries to soon be widely available. To find a location with Maryland strawberries near you, visit www.marylandsbest.net.

Strawberry Facts and Tips

• Select plump, firm, fully red berries. The small berries are often most flavorful.
• Strawberries measurements: 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and weighs 1.25 lbs to 1.5 lbs (or 600 to 700 g). The weight varies on variety and weather conditions.  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings
• One cup of strawberries contains around 43 calories.
• Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
• It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away – just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a Ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Vacuum food sealers do a good job of this. The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.

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Soundbook of strawberry farmer, Russ Shlagel of Shlagel Farms in Charles County