Strawberry season is here, and we absolutely must enjoy this mouthwatering fruit quickly. Similar to a Michigan summer, the season for strawberries is a short one. This season runs about 3 to 4 weeks, but there is a lot to take into consideration with this timeline as it totally depends on the crop, the weather and the farm location. Now, just think about all of those desserts that can be make with the baskets of strawberries you pick this season.
Strawberry picking is a popular thing to do here in Michigan. Michigan strawberries are some of the best especially when picked at the perfect timing; when the strawberry is ripe, sweet and red throughout. It is actually quite an enjoyable activity as the sun is beating on your back while you pick each sweet and juicy strawberry off the vine; and indulging on a few inbetween each pick.
Many strawberry picking locations already have baskets of fruit picked that can be purchased, or you can pick them yourself. Prices are different depending on the location so it can be best to call ahead of time for prices, picking times, availability and guidelines. Check out this list below of popular places in Metro Detroit to pick strawberries and then see below for tips. For U-pick farms outside of metro Detroit, go to michiganfarmfun.com.
Blake's Backyard
5590 Van Dyke, Almont, MI / 810-798-3251 / blakefarms.com/almontgardencenter
Blake's Big Apple Orchard
71485 North Ave., Armada. MI / 586-784-9710 / blakefarms.com/bigapple
Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill
17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI / 586-784-5343 / blakefarms.com/orchardcidermill
Diederich's Berry and Produce Farm
3537 Morrice Road, Webberville, MI / 517-521-4667 / Facebook Page
Middleton Berry Farm
4790 Oakwood, Ortonville, MI / 248-831-1004 / middletonberryfarm.com
Rowe's Produce Farm
10570 Martz, Ypsilanti, MI / 734-482-8538 / rowesproducefarm.com
Spicer Orchards
10411 Clyde, Fenton, MI / 810-632-7692 / spicerorchards.com
Verellen Orchards & Cider Mill
63260 Van Dyke, Washington Township, MI / 586-752-2989 / verellenorchards.com
Westview Orchards
65075 Van Dyke, Washington Township, MI / 586-752-3123 / westvieworchards.com
Whittaker's Berry Farm
6724 Todd, Ida, MI / 734-269-6612 / whittakersberryfarm.com
STRAWBERRY PICKING TIPS
Unlike some fruits that continue to ripen once they are picked, strawberries stop ripening once they are removed from strawberry plant. If you want the sweetest taste, be sure to look for bright, red berries. The orangey-red with white pieces won’t taste sweet and will be tarte. On picking day, make sure to bring water and your own reusable containers to save on having to buy baskets there.
