We have to say it, we are heartbroken that Hunter Farms does NOT have Strawberries to pick this year. Strawberry picking is a great spring and early summer activity for the whole family. So, we had to resort to looking for other alternatives this year. We are sharing where to go if you want to self-pick, tips for having a successful outing and including a few of our favorite strawberry recipes for dealing with all the strawberries once you get home.
Where to Pick for Spring 2022
Wise Acres 4701 Hartis Road • Indian Trail • 704.628.6232 USDA Certified organic farm
Reservations required for strawberry picking and they usually fill up very quickly
Hall Family Farm 445 West Rebound Road • Lancaster, SC 29720 • 704.562.4021 This is Hall Family Farm’s new location. Look for the kind of family-friendly attractions that were on their old farm, including musical hayride, giant sandbox, kids’ mazes, more.
Springs Farm
835 Springfield Parkway • Fort Mill, SC • 803.548.3939
Check Facebook page for updates
Carrigan Farms 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy • Mooresville, NC • 704.664.1450
Check our website for special and seasonal events!
Tips and Tricks for Self-Pick Strawberry Outing
It may seem super simple to take a basket, go out into a field and pick strawberries, but there are a few tried and true things that can make the experience even better.
No.1 • Teach children how to safely pick before you start. Strawberries can be hard to take off of the vine sometimes. It's almost like they want to hold on for dear life. Make sure to pull only one berry at a time, instead of attempting multiple berries. The best method is to tilt the berry to a 90 degree angle and give a slight tug.
No.2 • Don't start picking at closest and convenient part of the patch. A lot of times everyone starts there and those get picked first making the fresher riper berries in the back. Take a little extra time and venture to the back to gather those good ones.
No.3 • Make sure children know how to identify ripe strawberries. Recommend they only pick the fully red strawberries! While this may seem obvious, sometimes little hands will want to pick quickly and settle for strawberries that are still somewhat white at the tops. You really don't want these to come home with you and it a little longer and they will be ready for the next person.
No.4 • One strawberry in hand seems like it weights nothing but they add up in the basket. If you are there to pick bulk then go crazy! If you are there for the experience, be careful of how many you are picking.
No.5 • Sometimes it is a good idea to go early in the morning. Usually, it is less crowded, and the weather is a little more enjoyable. The afternoons can get warm in April and May, so those sweaty picks usually aren't as fun.
Strawberry Recipes • Shared by Weddington Locals
NO.1 • STRAWBERRY SORBET • SERVES 4
From the Kitchen of • Trish
1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups water
5 cups fresh or frozen strawberries cleaned and quartered (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice
Rinse strawberries thoroughly and quarter. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar just to a boil over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. In a large bowl, combine syrup, lemon juice and prepared strawberries.
Transfer, in small batches if needed, to a blender or food processor and process until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into a freezer safe container and freeze overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours. Store leftovers in freezer for up to 2 weeks.
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NO.2 • STRAWBERRY BREAD • SERVES 12
From the Kitchen of • Weddington Locals Editors
For the Bread
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups diced strawberries
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup diced strawberries
1/2 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add in the salt and baking powder. Slowly add in the flour while stirring just to combine. Toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. Gently fold the flour-coated strawberries into the batter. Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Bake 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries and vanilla. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Drizzle glaze over bread when completely cool.
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