If you blink, you might miss strawberry season in Maine. It is short, but so sweet!

Strawberries typically are ready for picking around mid-June, but everything depends on the type of winter and spring weather we had here in Maine. Once the signal is given and the fields open to the public, Mainers join in the harvesting process. Along with apple picking, this is an activity that families often enjoy together. As opposed to apple trees, the strawberry beds are at your feet so even the little ones can discover the bright red fruit for themselves.

It is best to pick strawberries in shallow containers so the ones on the bottom don’t have their juices squeezed out of them. According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, you should pinch the berries off with a little bit of the stem remaining on top in order to extend their shelf life. And — don’t forget — strawberries don’t ripen after they’re picked so leave any with white spots behind for another day.

Most Mainers pick more strawberries than is possible to eat fresh. Considering the berries spoil after a few days, it’s into the freezer they go so the season can be enjoyed for months to come.

Of course, strawberries can be eaten all on their own (and once you’ve had a fresh one — you’re spoiled for life!), but we have so many other ways to use these sweet red fruits. Strawberry jam is a favorite for many. Combining the strawberries with locally abundant rhubarb is another winner. If I had to pick one picture that represented early summer in Maine, it would be of strawberry shortcake, often eaten with freshly baked biscuits…

This post is part of my A to Z Challenge Series with the overall theme, “This Maine Life.” I am covering a Maine-related topic with a different letter of the alphabet every day except Sundays throughout the month of April 2020.