When is the time to pick strawberries

The best time to pick strawberries is usually from March to May in spring, and the specific time is affected by factors such as climate conditions, strawberry varieties, planting methods, maturity judgment, and picking techniques.

1. Climate conditions

Strawberries prefer warm and humid environments. In southern China, due to the rapid rise in temperature, the picking period can be advanced to late February. Northern open field planting needs to wait until the frost ends in April, while greenhouse planting can be harvested throughout the year, but the quality is best in spring. Areas with large temperature differences between day and night have higher fruit sweetness, and continuous rainy weather can delay ripening and easily cause diseases.

2. Strawberry Varieties

Early maturing varieties such as Hongyan and Zhangji can be harvested in March, while mid to late maturing varieties such as Sweet Charlie need to wait until mid April. Four season strawberries can be harvested 2-3 times a year, with the first crop having the strongest flavor in May. Strawberries grown in mountainous areas have a longer growth cycle and mature about half a month later than those in plain areas.

3. Planting Method

Greenhouse planting can bring strawberries to market 1-2 months earlier through temperature control, but the aroma of outdoor strawberries under natural light is more intense. Potted strawberries mature faster than ground grown strawberries due to limited root systems, but their individual fruit weight is smaller. Organic grown strawberries may mature slightly later, but their fruit hardness is better for transportation.

4. Maturity assessment

More than 90% of mature strawberries have a variety specific red color on the surface, with rolled sepals and a fragrant aroma. Picking too early results in high acidity and poor flavor, while picking too late can cause the flesh to become soft and easily damaged. When picking, 1 centimeter of fruit stem should be kept, and the fruit picked after the dew dries in the morning has the best storage resistance.

5. Picking Techniques

Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the base of the fruit stem and rotate it to remove it, avoiding pulling and damaging the plant. The container should not be too deep to prevent crushing, and refrigeration within 2 hours after picking can maintain freshness. Strawberries harvested on consecutive sunny days accumulate more sugar, and controlling water for 3 days before harvesting can enhance the sweetness of the fruit. Strawberries should be consumed or refrigerated as soon as possible after harvesting, and should not be stored at room temperature for more than 8 hours. When cleaning, keep the fruit stems and rinse them with running water to avoid soaking and loss of flavor. The recommended daily intake is within 200 grams, and those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold can pair it with warm drinks. Choose strawberry orchards without pesticide residues for picking. People with allergies should be aware that strawberry fuzz may cause skin itching. When planting strawberries at home, the quality of the fruit can be improved by thinning the flowers and fruits to control the yield per plant.