Find a local pick your own farm here!

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Charlotte area of North Carolina in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for strawberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have strawberries farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Cabarrus County

  • Edward and Lilias Stevens' Quail Run Farm - Strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, and some beans.
    Cress Road, Mount Pleasant, NC . Phone: 704-436-6963. Click here for a map and directions. anytime. Picking late April or early May, approximately. Call for crop conditions. Strawberries are 95 cents a pound in furnished 4-quart boxes averaging 6 pounds; ready-picked berries on order. All fields unsprayed. 8 am to 7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 2-7 p.m. Sundays. Restroom, cold water providedOff N.C. 73 east between Concord and Mount Pleasant on Cress Road, off St. John's Church Road.

Catawba County

  • Ira Cline Farm - strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins.
    4444 Lee Cline Road, Conover, NC 28613. Phone: 828-464-5942. Email: mary.houston@ncfb.com. Open: UPDATE for 2020, Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, See comments below, Strawberries are usually ready around May 10th, Blueberries are ready around June the 20th through August; Pumpkins are ready around late September through October. Directions: Take I-40 west to Exit 131, then take N.C. 16 north. Turn left on C&B Farm Road and left on Lee Cline Road. Farm is on the left. A visitor writes on June 12, 2020: "I think the Ira Cline Farm may be closed since he died last year and I found an article about the farm closing for berries in 2009.. . Click here for a map and directions. Price not set. Containers provided. Ready-picked availablehttps://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/longtime-farmer-saying-bye-bye-to-berries/article_c07730cb-ea54-5b8d-a8d3-91a01fbfbcc3.html Thanks for starting/keeping up such an awesome website! You're so appreciated!!
    Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2008: "They are such nice people and always take the time to talk to everyone that comes there. I love the pumpkins in the fall season, they are everywhere and great for picture taking. The kids get to play on a bouncy castle apple while the parents are busy looking for Fall goodies. The kids ask to go every year, and we do."
    Comments from a visitor on May 27, 2008: "We picked strawberries at the Cline Farm last week. They are definitely in business! Blueberries are expected the last week in June."
    Comments from a visitor on April 2, 2008: "I live a few miles from the farm and click on this site to get the phone number when I need it. As long as we don't get a killing frost between now and mid-May, the blueberries should be fine. Rainfall amounts will determine how the fall crops will turn out. We are still in Mandatory Stage 3 water restrictions around here. Folks just need to call before they make the drive.

Cleveland County

  • Clineland Farm - Strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cantaloupe.
    2784-4 Clineland Road, Cherryville, NC 28021. Phone: (704) 445-8737. Email: clinelandfarm@yahoo.com. Open: Hours may change due to weather and other factors. Directions: Take I-85 south to U.S. 74 west. Get off at the Moss Lake exit and turn right toward Waco. Go about 7 miles. After you cross N.C. 150 continue approximately 2.25 miles to Clineland Road. Follow the signs to the strawberry field. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: 704-477-7104Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5:00 Sat. 8:30-5:00 Sun. 12:00-5:00. Strawberries, tomatoes and cantaloupe beginning about April 19. Pick-your-own or ready-picked. Broccoli and cauliflower available mid-May Click here for a map to the farm.
  • Knob Creek Orchards - apples, blackberries, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
    6471 Fallston Road, Lawndale, NC 28090. Phone: 704-538-1405. Email: info@knobcreekorchards.com. Open: Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm; Saturday, from 8 am to 7 pm; Sunday, from 12:30 pm to 8 pm; May through December. Directions: Located on Highway 18 North of Shelby and South of Morganton. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    Knob Creek Orchards Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesStrawberries: Spring (May to June) Blackberries: Summer to Early Fall (June to October) Peaches: Summer (June to September) Apples: Late Summer to Winter (August to December)Apart from fresh fruits, is known for their homemade ice cream and waffle cones. We allow our customers to pick strawberries at a discounted price across the street from the store. This is a great activity for families, groups, or the average person. Pick-your-own strawberries is contingent on the weather and availability, so we do advise you to call ahead to make sure picking will be available for the day of your visit.
  • Lattimore Farms - Strawberries
    119 Peachtree Street, Lattimore, NC 28089. Phone: (704) 834-2148. Email: alexlattimore14@hotmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Monday - Saturday 8AM untill dark. Directions: Located 2 miles north of Hwy 74 on Peachtree Street in Lattimore, approx. Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (704) 434-6770Sunday 1:30 PM to 6 PMare a seasonal product. We normally start picking the last week in April and pick until the 1st of June. For additional times call ahead. 8 miles west of Shelby. Crop availability: - late April-June 5

Gaston County

  • Lewis Farm - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area (bring your own food), pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
    330 Lewis Road, Gastonia, NC 28054. Phone: 704-842-1208. Email: events.lewisfarm@gmail.com. Open: Usually April-June, see their website. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard. located in Ranlo, NC, a small town in Gaston County approximately 15 minutes from Charlotte, NC. We raise grass-fed cattle, pastured pork, wonderful brown eggs from Golden Comet chickens, hay, corn, soybean, wheat, pumpkins, & produce. Our products are sold straight from the farm (by appointment) year-round. We also host private birthday parties, weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and private carriage rides. Give your students the opportunity to explore life on a working farm, learn from true family farmersA visitor writes on October 10, 2013: " "Went every year with my daughter and son's Preschool class. Always had a great time!"
  • Linebergers - Blackberries, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Greens, Muscadine, scuppernongs, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Hay Rides, Tours
    906 Dallas-Stanley Highway #275, Dallas, NC 28034. Phone: 704-922-8688. Email: linebergersfarm@gmail.com. Directions: Located on Hwy 275 one mile east of Dallas and 5 miles west of Stanley. From I-85, take the New Hope Road Exit 20 in Gastonia, go north on New Hope Road 4 miles to Dallas, turn right on the Dallas-Stanley Hwy #275. The farm is a little over one mile on the right. Crop availability: Strawberries - May-early June Blackberries & Raspberries - June-July Pumpkins, Gourds, Muscadine & Greens - September to October Squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Sweet corn & Melons pre-picked only in June& - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions.
    Linebergers Facebook page. or Phone: 704-748-1488. May/June hours: 8 am to 7 pm Monday- Saturday,from 1 pm to 6 pm Sunday. Call for hours in other seasons. the farm produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, blackberries, peaches, vegetables, and pumpkins. Our customers enjoy buying fresh produce, picking their own berries, picnicking and letting the kids play. We sell produce at our on-farm stores and the Gastonia, Denver, and Atherton Mill Farmers' MarketsFormerly called Maple Springs Farm. (UPDATED: July 19, 2019, JBS)
    Comments from a visitor on September 11, 2009: "Nice people! Very well run operation. Produce is fresh & market is clean. They have hayrides & farm-oriented play area. Lots of schools & daycares go there in the fall for the pumpkins & hayrides. "

Iredell County

  • Carrigan Farms, LLC - apples, sunflowers, asparagus, pumpkins, strawberries,
    1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway Intersection of Highway 150 & 152, Mooresville, NC 28115. Phone: 704-664-1450. Email: doug@carriganfarms.com. Open: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am until 7 pm, Sunday 11:30 am until 5:30 pm. Directions: Located in Mooresville, NC on Highway 150 at the intersection with Highway 152. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 2021 Price is U-pick strawberries: $15 per gallon-sized container and $5 per quart-sized container, Pre-picked strawberries, when they are available, are $17 per gallon-sized container and $5per quart-sized container. Strawberries: late April to late May; Pumpkins: October 1st to October 31st, 9am to 5pm, seven days per week Restroom, cold drinks, take-home containers available. And see these pages for more information about School tours and Night hayrides. A 5th generation family-owned farm, Carrigan Farms specializes in growing quality fruits and vegetables, educational school tours and field trips, weddings, swim parties, and other special events.The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is the perfect setting for your company picnic, wedding or wedding reception, convention gathering, corporate party or other special event. The natural beauty of the blue water and sky, gray granite cliffs and white sugar sand beach create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Pictures and words attempt, but fall short, of capturing the magical beauty of The Quarry which will amaze both you and your guests. The Quarry is an outdoor facility, much like a private park, equipped to host events from March thorough November. Catering is also available. An online brochure is available to assist you in planning your event. If you are interested in hosting your next company picnic or other corporate function at The Quarry, please feel free to use the online brochure or call us for additional information. SUNFLOWERSSunflowers will open July 29th for photoshoots. Click here to find more information.Strawberry season starts in late April and lasts a few weeks.Asparagus season starts in April and lasts a few weeks.Apple picking will begin around September 8, 2020 and last through September 30, 2020.Our authentic pumpkin patch, pick your pumpkin from the vine begins October 1. (UPDATED: April 20, 2021 JBS)
  • Howards Family Farm - Pumpkins, Strawberries
    250 Crater Road, Harmony, NC 28634. Phone: 704-539-4994. Open: 7 am to 8 p. Directions: 15 miles north of Statesville. Take I-77 north to Exit 65 \(Harmony-Union Grove\). Turn right. Follow signs. One mile off I-77. . Click here for a map and directions.
    Howards Family Farm Facebook page. 15 miles north of Statesville. Take I-77 north to Exit 65 (Harmony-Union Grove). Turn right. Follow signs. One mile off I-77m. Mondays-Saturdays; Early May opening for Strawberries (May to early June), Sweet Corn (July), Pumpkins (late September to October). Eight acres. CSA. Bring your own containers for pick your own. Restroom, water, cold drinks available
  • J & N Farms - Beans, Peach, Peppers, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Watermelon
    208 Edwards Road, Harmony, NC 28634. Phone: (336) 492-6139. Email: normageorg@aol.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday; May 1 thru October 1. Click here for a map and directions. Call for hours of operation. I haven't seen any recent information about this one in years (except on the scam website pickyourown.farms, which only copies my information), so I think they may have closed down.

Rowan County

  • Cooley Farm - strawberries
    119 Cooley Farm Road, Woodleaf, NC 27054. Phone: . Open: See their website for for hours and availability. Directions: See their website for directions. Payment: Cash, only. Right, we are growing corn, beans and squash in the three sisters method; plus watermelons and cantaloupes, straw berries, and of course tomatoes grown with basil. Do you like fresh quality produce grown naturally? Well let us help you get what you want. Out here on Cooley Farm this year we\'re starting a Pick Your Own produce coop. The cooperation here is You tell us what you want to be on your table, we grow it. Any suggestions appreciat - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Cooley Farm Facebook page.
  • Patterson Farm, Inc. - strawberries, pumpkins, tomatoes, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla, NC 28125. Phone: 704-797-0013. Email: tours@visitpattersonfarm.com. Open: Monday to Saturday 8:30 am to 7 pm, Sunday 10:00 to 6:00; Market hours vary with the season; Please call or see our website for hours. Directions: for a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 704-636-5009Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Strawberries - May Tomatoes - July 1 - October 30 Tours: Spring Pizza Tours - April Strawberry Patch Tours - May Tomato Patch Tours - July Dirt on Dirt Tours - September Pumpkin Patch Tours - October

Stanly County

  • Cody Strawberry Farm - strawberries, blueberries
    444052 Paul\'s Crossing Rd, Richfield, NC 28137. Phone: 704-791-0342. Email: Codystrawberryfarm@hotmail.com. Open: Mid April to June, Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 6pm; Sunday from 1 pm to 6; closed on Monday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, check only.
    Cody Strawberry Farm Facebook page. s Crossing Rd, Richfield, NC 28137 Mid April NC Facebook Page. PICK YOUR OWN BLUEBERRIES, 2020 price was $10 for a basket, $20 per gallon YOU MUST BRING THE CORRECT AMOUNT
    Comments from a visitor on April 28, 2010: "Very friendly staff. $11 a gallon if they pick; $9 if you pick; $6 a half gallon if they pick; $5 if you pick."

Union County

  • Creekside Farms - Strawberries
    3424 Lanes Creek Road, Marshville, NC 28102. Phone: (704) 624-5476. Open: Monday to Saturday Call for hours. Directions: Located on SR 1941, Old Pageland-Monroe Road at intersection with SR 1940, Belk Mill Road. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: 704-624-2631Monday to Saturday (Call for hours.). Crop availability: - May-June.
  • Hunter Farm - Strawberries, Pumpkins, Christmas Trees, Flowers, Restroom, picnic area, cold drinks available.
    13624 Providence Road, Weddington, NC . Phone: 704-846-7975. Open: 7 days a week, Weekdays: 9 am to 7 pm, Saturdays: 9 am to 7 pm, Sundays: 12 noon - 7pm; Reservations are now required for strawberry picking. Directions: Take N.C. 16 \(Providence Road\) and go 5 miles past N.C. 51 to Weddington, 2 miles south of the I-485 interchange. \(From I-485, take Exit 57 and go south on N.C. 16.\) Watch for the sign with the strawberry on the right, across from the Winn-Dixie. . Click here for a map and directions.
    Hunter Farm Facebook page. Fax: We will open reservations on a weekly basis in order to asses the field, availability of ripe berries, and projected weather forecasts. CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FOR STRAWBERRY PICKING. The season depends on availability of strawberries. Always call before you come or follow us on The Facebook page for daily updates. Berries are sold by the pound, Containers are provided. Porta-Jon AvailableTake N.C. 16 (Providence Road) and go 5 miles past N.C. 51 to Weddington, 2 miles south of the I-485 interchange. (From I-485, take Exit 57 and go south on N.C. 16.) Watch for the sign with the strawberry on the right, across from the Winn-Dixie. Click here for a map to our farm. Roadside stand at Hemby and Providence roads, about one quarter mile before main entrance. Also prepicked Greenhouse Tomatoes, Twelve to 14 acres of berries on plastic. Crop availability: Strawberries - April-June Azaleas Greenhouse Tomatoes - May-June Azaleas - April-May Summer Produce - June-September Pumpkins - October-November Christmas Trees -November 25- December 24. Picking strawberries late April or early May, tomatoes and other vegetables by early June. Strawberry take-home container provided. (UPDATED: May 15, 2020, JBS) A visitor writes on May 15, 2020: "According to their Facebook post on April 27, 2020, decided not to plant strawberries this year (2020) in order to improve their soil."
  • Piedmont Produce - strawberries, U-pick and prepicked, farm market, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms
    9601 Morgan Mill Road, Monroe, NC 28110. Phone: 704-753-2300. Email: info@piedmontproduce.com. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 7 pm; Saturday, from 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Directions: from Monroe: about 14 miles north on Morgan Mill RoadHighway 200 North. from Locust: travel south on South Central AvenueHighway 200. Farm is on the right about 9 miles outside of town. From Polkton: travel west on Highway 218 approximately 17.5 miles. Turn right at Highway 218Morgan Mill Road intersection. Farm is on the left 1.8 miles from the intersection. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 704-753-4264 from Monroe: about 14 miles north on Morgan Mill Road/Highway 200 North. from Locust: travel south on South Central Avenue/Highway 200. Farm is on the right about 9 miles outside of town. From Polkton: travel west on Highway 218 approximately 17.5 miles. Turn right at Highway 218/Morgan Mill Road intersection. Farm is on the left 1.8 miles from the intersectionThe strawberry field is typically open from the last week of April until the end of MayWhile you are here, visit theGeneral Store located at the Highway 218/Morgan Mill Road intersection.
  • Wise Acres Organic Farm - Certified Organic, strawberries, pumpkins
    4701 Hartis Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079. Phone: (704) 628-6232. Email: cathy@wiseacresorganic.com. Open: in 2021, due to covid see their website for reservations; September 19 open for fall season with reservations on line and ready for sign up. Click here for a map and directions.
    Wise Acres Organic Farm Facebook page. Wise Acres is a family-owned u-pick certified organic strawberry and pumpkin farm in Indian Trail, NC just outside of Charlotte. We are a USDA Certified Organic farm and grow the very best produce using only natural methods to ensure the healthiest and most delicious produce for family, friends, and the environmentTHE FALL YOU CAN:Pick your own USDA certified organic seasonal produceShare a family meal with a locally sourced, made-to-order delicious Wise Pie Wood Fired Oven PizzaTake a wagon ride through the woodsRide on our barrel train (for our younger farmers - 12 and under)Climb, swing, ride, or zip line in our recycled tire playground and wooded parkEnjoy slushies, concessions, and treats sold in the barnMeet & greet our goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbitsTake or leave a book from our Little Free Lending LibraryHost a birthday party or special event in our "Party Patch"Pick up local goods including honey, mums, elderberry syrup, kombucha, and moreWe are always trying new ways to engage and entertain you and your family. No electronics - just good food, fun, and fresh air. We are always striving to provide the healthiest (but still yummy kid-approved) treat options available(ADDED: October 10, 2020, JBS)

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

strawberry pick-your-own field

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

  1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
  2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
     
  3. strawberry picking bucket from Washington FarmsMost growers furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.


    strawberries, just picked from the fieldIf you use your own containers, remember that heaping strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
  4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.Sttawberry bush with ripe strawberries, up close

Tips on How to Pick Strawberries

  1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

  2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.how to pick strawberries

  3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

  4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

  5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

close-up of the rows in a strawberry patch at at PYO strawberry fieldWhether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
  2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
  3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
  4. 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, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
  5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine 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 two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
  6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

  1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
  2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
  3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
  4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
  5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

  • Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry onstrawberries shown in different stages of ripeness the far right is completely ripe.
  • Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
  • Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
    1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
    1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
    1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
  • How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
  • One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
  • U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
  • U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
  • It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
  • The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
  • Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
  • Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
  • You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.crowded parking at a Strawberry u-pick field
  • Want to grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
  • See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

  • Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
  • Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
  • California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

  • = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
  • = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
  • = 1 cup pureed strawberries
  • = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)