How to Pick the Perfect Strawberry at Jaemor Farms

strawberry picking at Jaemor Farms

There’s nothing quite like picking your own strawberries straight from the field. At Jaemor Farms, we see families come year after year to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and sweet, juicy berries. But if you’ve ever gotten home with strawberries that looked good in the field but turned out white, squishy, or not-so-sweet, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

Picking the perfect strawberry doesn’t have to be tricky. With just a few simple tips, you can fill your basket with berries that taste as good as they look.

Let’s walk through how to pick the best strawberries so you can make the most of your trip to Jaemor Farms or any U-pick field!

What Makes a Strawberry “Perfect”?

A perfect strawberry is more than just a pretty one. Here’s what to look for:

Color: Look for strawberries that are fully red from top to bottom. If the top near the stem is white or green, it means the berry isn’t fully ripe yet, and it won’t ripen after you pick it.

Size: Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes medium or smaller berries have the best flavor. Don’t go just by size – go by color and how the berry looks overall.

Firmness: Gently squeeze the berry. It should feel firm and plump, not mushy or too soft. If it’s too squishy, it’s probably overripe.

Leaves (or “hat”): Check the little green leaves on top, called the calyx. They should be fresh, green, and not wilted. Dry or brown leaves might mean the berry is past its prime.

Smell: Give it a sniff! A ripe strawberry should have a sweet, fruity smell. If it doesn’t smell like much, it might not taste like much either.

How to Pick Strawberries the Right Way

Once you’ve found that perfect berry, don’t just yank it off the plant. That can damage both the fruit and the plant. Here’s how to pick it like a pro:

Step 1: Use your eyes first

Don’t just pick the first red berry you see. Look around, especially under the leaves. Some of the best berries are hidden!

Step 2: Use a gentle touch

Hold the berry gently and pinch or twist the stem about half an inch above the berry. Try not to pull too hard or squeeze the berry itself.

Step 3: Keep the cap on

Leave the green leafy top attached. This helps the berry stay fresh longer.

Step 4: Treat the plant with care

Don’t pull on the plant or rip leaves. Healthy plants grow more berries, so be gentle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced pickers make mistakes sometimes. Here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Don’t pick green or white-tipped berries.

Strawberries don’t ripen after they’re picked. Leave those for another day.

2. Skip damaged or moldy berries.

If a berry has a soft spot, mold, or bug holes, don’t pick it. These can spoil the rest of your berries in the container.

3. Don’t overfill your container.

We’ll give you a container to use, but try not to pack it too full. When it’s overflowing, berries can spill out or get squished, especially the ones at the bottom. If you want to pick more, you can always buy an extra container and keep the berries safe and fresh.

Best Time to Pick

Early morning is the best time to head to the patch. The berries are cool and firm from the night air, which makes them easier to pick and less likely to bruise.

If mornings don’t work, late afternoon is a great time as well. It’s a nice time to pick when the sun isn’t as strong.

In North Georgia, strawberry season usually runs through spring. At Jaemor Farms, our U-Pick fields are typically open Saturday through Sunday during the season, but it’s always smart to check our website or call ahead for the latest info.

A Few Tips for the Patch

When you’re picking at Jaemor Farms (or anywhere else), here are a few tips to help everyone have a good time:

  • Stick to your assigned rows if asked. This helps protect the plants.
  • Walk carefully so you don’t step on berries or plants.
  • Keep an eye on little ones and make sure they’re being gentle with the plants.
  • Be polite and share the space with other pickers.

Our goal is for everyone to have fun and leave with great berries and even better memories.

Bringing Your Berries Home

You’ve done the hard part, now it’s time to keep those berries fresh and delicious!
Handle with care:

  • Drive gently on the way home. Don’t stack heavy bags or boxes on top of your berry containers. They bruise easily.
  • Wait to wash. It’s tempting to rinse your berries as soon as you get home, but don’t! Washing adds moisture, which can make berries go bad faster. Wait until right before you eat or cook with them.
  • Store them right. Put your strawberries in the fridge, but don’t seal them up tight. Use a container with a paper towel to soak up moisture and leave the lid slightly open.

More Than Just Picking

At Jaemor Farms, strawberry picking is just the beginning. While you’re here, stop by the market for homemade jams, fresh strawberry ice cream, local produce, and more. It’s a fun way to turn your visit into a full day of food, family, and fresh air.

Ready to Pick?

Picking strawberries is a fun way to enjoy the season and bring home something sweet. Now that you know what to look for and how to pick like a pro, you’re all set. For U-Pick season dates and additional information, please refer to our U-Pick Strawberries page.

We’ll see you in the fields!