Eating strawberries fresh from the vine is a completely different experience from eating the ones you get from the grocery.
So come peak season, itâs a great idea to harvest your own at a local U-Pick farm.
Unless youâre a frequenter of farmers’ markets, this is the only way to get the juiciest strawberries straight out of mother natureâs fridge.
Itâs also a fun activity you can do with kids if you have any.
It teaches them the value of naturally grown crops and the kind of effort that goes into the goodies that land on their plates.
How a strawberry looks is a good indicator of how this miracle crop is beneficial to you.
Itâs a little power package for your heart, as it lowers your blood pressure and contains a crazy amount of antioxidants.
Itâs also a low-calorie snack, which means you can munch on a lot without feeling too guilty.
Strawberries are packed with vitamins, something that we could use a little more during these times when we need to get our immunities up.
About eight strawberries get you the amount of vitamin C that you can get from a sizable orange. You can let Ms. Betty tell you what to do with those fresh strawberries.
Did you know that a strawberry isnât just one fruit?
Itâs actually a receptacle of the plantâs flower. Over time, it goes fleshy, and you’ll see tiny white and brown spots embedded all over it.
Those are the seeds or âtrue fruits.â Strawberries can be used for a plethora of desserts like cakes, pies, shakes, and tarts.
So be sure to take some home and get baking.
So where can you go strawberry picking in Alabama?
Find out below, plus a few tips to keep in mind before you get picking.
Related: Top Brunch Spots in Mobile Alabama
Some Strawberry Picking Tips
1. Dress for the activity.
In the South, strawberries get ripe for picking around May, so dress for warm weather.
There isnât going to be overhead protection because strawberries grow low. Lay that sunblock on thick and wear breathable clothing.
If youâre scared of sun damage (which you should be), itâs wise to bring along a wide-brimmed hat.
If you plan to take the kids, dress them in clothing that you wouldnât mind getting dirty.
Itâs going to get muddy. Better yet, bring an extra set of clothes for the ride home.
Plus, donât forget to pack EpiPens if someone is allergic to outdoor elements!
2. Plan ahead.
Call the farm ahead of time to know about the supply situation.
They may advise you to visit mid-week because thereâs usually an upsurge of visitors during weekends.
For example, if you arrive late on a Sunday, it might already be slim pickings.
Related: Snakes of Alabama
3. Freshly picked berries are more perishable.
The kind of strawberries that are grown on U-Pick farms are specifically bred for flavor.
Theyâre not like grocery strawberries that are grown to withstand long shipping times and hours sitting at supermarket coolers.
As a general rule, donât keep them in the fridge for more than three days.
If youâve picked more than you can eat, simply transfer them to the freezer to be used for projects like jams and smoothies.
4. Pay first before eating!
Some farms let little kids eat strawberries to their heartsâ content, which is cute.
However, itâs not so cute when grownups do it.
Remember that these farms are someoneâs livelihood, and you are a patron.
So pick your strawberries, have them weighed, pay for them, and chomp away.
Let’s pause briefly for you to bookmark the post below, ensuring easy access for later.
Strawberry picking farms near Mobile Alabama
Reeves Farm
34605 US Highway 31, Stapleton AL 36578
Phone: (251) 232-0572
B.J. Farm
7618 US Highway 98 East, Elberta AL 36530
Phone: (251) 986-5391
Autauga Hill Farms
152 Co Rd 27, Prattville AL 36067
Phone: (334) 365-4340
Jimmy Durbin Farms & Sunshine Farms
3233 County Road 16, Clanton AL 35045
Phone: (205) 775-4203
Penton Farms – Sugar Hill Farms
3358 County Road 50, Verbena AL 36091
Phone: (205) 351-1480
Edmondson Farms
1573 Racetrack Rd, Florala AL 36442
Phone: (334) 858-3679
Waterberry Farm
1521 N Morris St, Slocomb AL 36375
Phone: (334) 886-2454
Related Reading: Alabama’s Bluegrass Festival – Find More Here.
Strawberries Galore in Alabama
Strawberries are a tasty and nutritious snack that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Itâs a staple in southern cooking and can liven up every mealtime.
Donât be content with what you can get from the grocery store. Pick these little treats yourself and make a day of it!