Many strawberry growers across the state of Iowa are predicting a bumper crop and encouraging Iowans to take advantage of these delicious, fresh berries by visiting a local strawberry patch at a local farmers market

“The mild winter and wet spring have created a nearly ideal growing situation for fruits and vegetables in Iowa and strawberries are leading the way. Growers across the state are reporting tons of blooms,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

Strawberry season is short. In about 30 days they go from bloom to fruit and are best consumed withing a few days of picking.  While there are many places to harvest the juicy joy of a fruit, harvesting averages 3 weeks across Iowa, with the beginning varying dates.

“Fresh picked strawberries are a delicious treat that often kickoff the growing season and summer full of enjoying fresh, Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables. Visiting a local farmers market or going to a you-pick farm is a great way to find fresh berries that can be enjoyed fresh, used in baking or preserved as jellies or jams,” Northey said.

Support a local grower and treat your family to a fun-filled trip to the strawberry patch and make memories that will last a lifetime. If visiting a strawberry patch, be sure to call or check the website for their harvest information. While you’re there you may just find blueberries or raspberries as well.

You can find strawberry growers by visiting our Fruit and Vegetable Farms Directory at https://www.idalsdata.org/fmnp/index.cfm or on the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association “farm search” page at http://www.ifvga.org/en/about_us/farm_search/.

Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture

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