Strawberries are red for a few days and can be picked

strawberries usually need to wait for 2-3 days after turning red before harvesting, during which the sweetness and flavor of the fruit are optimal. The timing of harvesting is mainly influenced by factors such as variety characteristics, lighting conditions, temperature changes, maturity assessment, and storage requirements. After turning green to red, strawberries still need a short period of time to accumulate sugar, and picking them too early can lead to a strong sour taste. When the surface color of the fruit is uniform and bright, and there is no white hard circle around the fruit stem, it indicates that sugar conversion has been completed. Picking after the dew dries on a sunny morning can reduce fruit damage and preserve higher levels of vitamin C. The maturity speed of different varieties varies significantly, for example, it takes 3 days for Zhangji strawberry to turn red, while Hongyan strawberry may only take 1-2 days. In areas with large temperature differences between day and night, fruit sugar accumulates faster, while in warm and humid environments, the waiting period needs to be extended.

In special circumstances, the picking time needs to be adjusted. Continuous cloudy and rainy weather may cause strawberries to ripen quickly, and when local softening occurs, they should be harvested immediately. Planting areas with frequent bird activity can harvest semi red fruits one day in advance, and indoor ripening can also achieve ideal sweetness. When the transportation distance is long, picking fruits that are about 80% ripe and preserving the fruit stem can extend the shelf life. Strawberries grown in greenhouses require an additional 1-2 days to promote aromatic synthesis after turning red due to weak lighting.

When picking, pinch the base of the fruit stem with your thumb and index finger and gently rotate it to avoid pulling and damaging the flesh. Keeping intact sepals can reduce juice loss, and after harvesting, spread them out in a cool and ventilated place to dissipate heat. Picking strawberries in batches daily can ensure consistent maturity, and strawberries that are not consumed in a timely manner do not need to be cleaned and can be stored directly in refrigeration. Eating in moderation with foods rich in vitamin E such as spinach and oats can help increase the absorption rate of antioxidants in strawberries.