Your Guide to Strawberry Season

We’re ready for all things strawberry, and as we know, strawberries and honey are a match made in heaven. 

Strawberries, with their acidity and juicy sweetness, complement the smooth flavor of honey, which can enhance the berry's natural taste without overpowering it.

This combination brings out the best in both flavors, making them the perfect pair for a variety of dishes, from desserts to appetizers. Our favorite honey pairing for strawberries is our Whipped Honey with Lemon – it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Strawberry Lemon Ice Box Pie

Nutritional Benefits

Combining strawberries and honey isn't just about great flavor; it's also beneficial for your health. Strawberries are packed with vitamins, like vitamin C, folate, and potassium, fiber, and particularly high levels of antioxidants, while honey is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.

Together, they offer a healthful boost of nutrients that can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting overall health. And it tastes like dessert. Can’t get better than that.

Strawberry Ice Pop

Understanding Strawberry Seasons

Strawberries are typically grown in cooler climates and are most flavorful when harvested at peak season. In the United States, strawberry season varies by region; it can start as early as January in warmer areas such as Florida and California, and it extends through late spring and early summer in cooler regions.

Knowing when strawberries are in season locally can lead to enjoying the freshest and tastiest fruit, whether you’re buying them from a market or picking them yourself.

Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini

How to Pick a Strawberry

Picking the perfect strawberry is an art. Look for berries that are bright red from top to bottom; avoid those with white tops or tips as they may be underripe. The size of the berry isn’t necessarily an indicator of flavor, so focus on color and aroma.

Ripe strawberries should have a fragrant smell and be firm to the touch, with no soft spots or bruising. When picking, use the "twist and pull" technique to gently remove the berry from the plant without damaging it or the plant.

Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

What to Bring to Strawberry Picking

When setting out for a day of strawberry picking, come prepared with a few essentials:

Comfortable clothing and shoes: You’ll be in the sun and possibly kneeling or bending down.

Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will protect you from sunburn.

Containers: Bring your own containers for collecting strawberries. Some farms provide them, but having your own can be more convenient.

Water and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized, especially on hot days.
Washing: Strawberries are one of the fruits that often get sprayed to keep them fresh as they’re growing, so it is essential that they’re washed thoroughly before consuming.

Storing: Strawberries taste better when they aren’t chilled, so if you plan on eating them the same day leave them on the counter for the optimum flavor and texture. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the berries to preserve their freshness, but allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Strawberry Mint Smoothie

Our Favorite Strawberry Recipes

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini: A delightful appetizer that balances the tanginess of goat cheese with the sweetness of strawberries and honey.

Strawberry Honey Bun Cake: A sweet, easy-bake cake perfect for any occasion.

Strawberry Honey Ice Pops: Refreshing ice pops that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Strawberry Lemon IceBox Pie: A cool, creamy pie that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries and honey.

Strawberry Mint Smoothies: A rejuvenating drink that pairs the freshness of mint with the sweetness of strawberries and honey.

Whether in a dish or straight from the farm, strawberries and honey are a natural duo that can elevate your culinary experiences and benefit your health.

#savethebees