Strawberry “Pick-Your-Own” season is in full swing here on the east coast. C and I headed out the last weekend of May to make sure to be the first ones at the farm to pick. We failed miserably. Arriving 5 minutes before 7 a.m., we were about the 20th there!
The fields were full of anxious pickers at Weaver’s Orchard and we jumped in as fast as we could. Who cares if the movers were coming for the day at 8:30 a.m. to pack our house up?
It is one of our favorite times of year and no one was going to stop us. The first of the many pick-your-owns in this area, the first of the many canning sessions (yee-haw Strawberry Rhubarb Jam), and the first of the delicious freshest of the fresh fruit that summer has to offer! May 31st was the first day to pick, but certainly not the peak of the season which means there is plenty more picking to be had (especially if you are lucky enough to be moving up north right in the middle of the season;).
We picked 11 1/2 pounds of fruit that day. That’s enough to make many things, so I thought I’d share with you our favorite ways to use them!
1. Strawberry Jam - First (after eating many in the field) we got right to canning some strawberry jam. Our canning efforts took about 5 pounds of strawberries and for that we got 2- 1/2 pint jars and 11- 4oz jars.
2. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars - We stopped by the farm market on the way out to grab a few stalks of rhubarb and made this, a favorite recipe of ours!
3. Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins - Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts in the spring/summertime!
4. Strawberry Limeade - The first of many summer drinks! This one is delicious!
5. Strawberry and Spinach Salad with a homemade balsamic.
6. Strawberry Shortcake - a classic at all strawberry festivals that we have ever been to!
7. Morning Smoothies with Strawberries - We love starting our days off with one of these.
What are your favorite ways to use your strawberry haul?
As if you needed any more reason, here are my 5 reasons why you should pick-your-own fruit with your kids. 
Yum! We had so much fun last year when we went strawberry picking. The kids don’t understand to stop, so we had A LOT. I’d love to pair something with rhubarb. I’ve never cooked or baked with it, so I am intrigued.
Reesa Lewandowski recently posted…Celeb Daddy Gift Pack Giveaway from Daddy & Co – Ends 6/26
Tons, right?! If we go at the right time, we can pick 15 pounds in 30 minutes! Goes quick:)
Strawberry picking is the best! Everyone has fun and builds such great memories! Love all of your ideas.
kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KIDS recently posted…DLK on popsugar moms
Thanks Kim!
I’m taking my son strawberry picking this weekend! Thanks for the ideas!
Cristy recently posted…Comment on Summer Entertaining With Lipton Iced Tea by Cheryl
Of course! I’d love to hear what you do with yours! If there are any leftover;)
The kids have been strawberry picking through school, but I want to go!! Definitely need this on our summer to do list
Such great reicpes, although the moment we get them home, the girls inhale berries 
Gina Badalaty recently posted…Frugal, Gluten Free, Dairy Free Living with Silk
I know! I have to hoard some for myself;)
We are planning on going strawberry picking soon! I need to save this for later
Caitlin recently posted…govoxbox
Fun! Your daughter will LOVE it!
11 pounds??? Woooooah! That’s a lot of fruit!
Heather recently posted…Your Brain Exhibit at The Franklin Institute
It sounds like SO much! But really it’s not that impressive:) Between eating and cooking we went through them in no time at all. I’m just glad we are moving to Mass so we can double dip in the season!
It was so good to see you one last time before you moved! Yay for strawberry season. We are making strawberry syrup this year. The kids are begging me for strawberry milk and there is no way I am buying that stuff at the store.
Heather M recently posted…Fabulously Frugal Thursday Linky #71
I hear ya! Loved seeing you! Now, that srawberry milk…tell me how you do it!!
Love anything that contains Strawberries and Rhubarb
Agreed!
This looks amazing too! It would be awesome if you would share this with us! Please add any other recipes to any fruit/veggie category you’d like! Enjoy the harvest!
http://www.cultivatenourishing.com/strawberries/
Lindsey recently posted…Fermented Rhubarb
Thanks so much Lindsey!