Spring is strawberry picking season in Tennessee and many local farms offer a chance to pick fresh strawberries and other in-season produce. According to the Seasonal Food Guide , seasonal food is produce that is purchased and consumed around the time that it is harvested.
Purchasing local produce supports the region's farmers, boosts the local economy and buying directly from the source allows you to know just where your food is coming from and how it was grown.
"Seasonal fruits and vegetables produced on local farms are often fresher, as they do not require long distances for transport," said the Seasonal Food Guide. "Also, unlike out of season produce which is harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store, crops picked at their peak of ripeness are also better tasting and full of flavor."
Where to pick strawberries in Middle Tennessee?
According to Pick Tennessee Products , part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the following farms in Middle Tennessee offer the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries, although it is recommended to call ahead of time to confirm availability.
Dickson County
Robertson County
Rutherford County
Sumner County:
Trousdale County
Wilson County
What to look for when picking strawberries?
In order to choose the best strawberries, select the glossiest berries and avoid the ones which are visibly bruised, mushy or have moldy spots. Strawberries start out white on the plant, said the Seasonal Food Guide, so look for strawberries that are deeply red colored, without traces of white at the stem.
Although there are strawberry cultivars which are bred to be white, they are uncommon.
How to best store strawberries?
Mold will cause strawberries to quickly deteriorate. Any strawberries with signs of mold should be discarded as to not ruin the fresh ones. You can extend the berries' shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator in a paper-towel lined container.
What fruits and vegetables are in season in Tennessee?
According to Pick Tennessee Products, the following fruits and veggies are in season for the months of March, April and May in Tennessee.
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Collard Greens
- Herbs
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Mustard Greens
- Onions
- Raspberries (summer bearing)
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Turnips
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Where to pick strawberries and other seasonal produce this spring in Middle Tennessee
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