Which month is the best time to pick strawberries

The best time to pick strawberries is usually from December to April of the following year, which is influenced by factors such as climate conditions, strawberry varieties, planting methods, regional differences, and maturity.

1. Climate conditions

Strawberries prefer coolness and are afraid of high temperatures. An environment of 15-25 degrees Celsius is most suitable for fruit growth. In areas with large temperature differences between day and night in spring, strawberries accumulate more sugar and have a better taste. Strawberries grown in northern greenhouses may mature earlier than those grown in open fields due to their better insulation effect.

2. Strawberry Varieties

Early maturing varieties such as Hongyan can usually be harvested in December, medium maturing varieties such as Zhangji are concentrated in the market from January to March, and late maturing varieties such as Sweet Charlie can last until late April. Although strawberries bear fruit throughout the year, they have the best flavor in winter.

3. Planting Method

Strawberries grown in greenhouses mature earlier than those grown in open fields and can be harvested by the end of November. Organic grown strawberries may mature slightly later than conventional grown ones, but the fruit flavor is richer. The elevated cultivation method is easy to pick and has high fruit cleanliness.

4. Regional Differences

Strawberries are available in southern regions such as Hainan in November, concentrated in the Jiangsu Zhejiang Shanghai area from January to March, and mostly in northern regions from March to May. Due to lower temperatures, the ripening period of strawberries in high-altitude areas will be delayed compared to plain areas.

5. Maturity

Strawberries reach their peak sweetness 2-3 days after complete color change, and early harvesting can affect flavor. Strawberries picked on sunny mornings have a better taste than those picked in the afternoon due to the accumulation of sugar at night. The presence of raised grains and rolled sepals on the surface of the fruit is a sign of good maturity.

When choosing a strawberry orchard, it is recommended to consult the variety and maturity status in advance, and try to avoid peak holidays and periods. Wear comfortable clothing and non slip shoes when picking, and use the specialized scissors provided by the orchard or cut off the fruit stem. Fresh strawberries are rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, but their delicate skin is easily damaged. It is recommended to store them refrigerated within two hours after harvesting. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold should not consume too many strawberries on an empty stomach, and those with allergies should be cautious when trying new varieties. Strawberry orchards are mostly located in the suburbs, so be sure to check the weather and take sun protection measures before traveling.