Strawberry season has come to an end much sooner than we’d hoped. The local demand for strawberries was so high this year (higher than we’ve ever seen) and unfortunately we just weren’t able to keep up, we got picked out and with so much heat in our first week of picking the berries started to ripen quite small. Our apologies to anyone who didn’t get any berries this year.
Our farm gate store is currently open everyday
Our 2020 Season
The 2020 strawberry season will bring a new set of mandated rules. You will not be permitted on our farm if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19. Social Distancing will need to be respected in the patch and at the store. Other U-pick rules will be posted: -you will not be allowed to eat berries in the field, you will have to sanitize hands before and after picking. Along with our store being open, We will also be offering pre-ordered pre-picked strawberries for either curbside pickup or delivery. We will keep you posted as more details become available.
The 2020 Strawberry season will open on Thursday July 2nd, Please keep in mind we are hoping to ease into things and the strawberries are not yet at peak season. As things are continually changing on the farm, it is always a good idea to check social media or call the farm before visiting. The season usually lasts 2-3 weeks.
Thank-you berry Much!
2020 Prices
U-Pick: $11/4L Basket Pre-Picked: $18/4L Basket
Volume Discount (Buy 10 Baskets & get the 11th one for free) There is no charge for the baskets. Etransfer, Cash or cheque accepted. Thank-you.
U-Pick Strawberries
When coming to pick, be sure to dress accordingly for the weather. We continue to pick in the rain if there isn’t any lightning. It doesn’t hurt to bring sunscreen, a hat, bug spray and rubber boots (if wet). Also, if you have small children, don’t forget your camera!!
We will provide you with baskets for picking, free of charge. However, if you prefer to bring your own, we ask that they are 4L ice-cream pails.Pails for purchase will cost $1 each.
We would like to remind you that for health reasons it is a good idea to wash your hands before picking. Also, there is no smoking or pets allowed in the patch.
Picking Tips
- Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.
- With the stem broken about one half-inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.
- Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries.
- Carefully place- don’t throw- the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands until your container is full.
Whether you pick the strawberries from your garden or here at our farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the rows. Here at Mayfair Farm, it is important that you pick only on the row assigned to you & please move your marker to where you finish up.
- We furnish berry baskets designed so that the strawberries do not easily get squished.
- Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
- Pick the row clean. Remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, and are easily bruised and will not keep well.
- Avoid placing the picked berries in the sun any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
- Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for three or more days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit looses its bright color and fresh flavor and tend to shrivel.
How to Freeze Strawberries
Always rinse with hulls on, so berries don’t get water logged or lose any vitamin content.
There are two ways to freeze strawberries whole:
- Pack into plastic containers or into plastic bags. They may, however, become stuck together.
- Freeze whole on flat trays. This will prevent them from sticking together.
- Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper or paper towels. Stand the strawberries on their bases on the cookie tray, making sure that they don’t touch.
- Put the strawberries in the freezer.
- Wait until they are frozen, then remove from the cookie tray and place in strong seal-able plastic food bags to store.
