Strawberries in August: Can You Still Find the Sweet Stuff?
So, you’re craving strawberries in August? You’re not alone! That sweet, juicy taste is hard to resist. But are they actually in season then? Well, it’s not quite as simple as a straight “yes” or “no.” Think of it like this: finding great strawberries in August is a bit of an adventure, and the answer depends on a few things.
Generally speaking, strawberry season in the US is a pretty long affair, stretching from May all the way to October. But here’s the catch: the real sweet spot, when you’ll find the most amazing, bursting-with-flavor berries, is usually in spring and early summer. That’s when June-bearing strawberries, the workhorses of the strawberry world, give us their one big, beautiful crop.
Now, when August rolls around, things get interesting. Where you live makes a huge difference.
Take California, for example. They’re practically strawberry central, growing something like 90% of the nation’s strawberries! Because of their climate, they harvest berries pretty much year-round, with a peak season that lasts from early spring through the fall. So, if you’re on the West Coast, chances are you can find some decent California strawberries in August.
But what about those of us in the Northeast or Midwest? Well, our main strawberry fling usually happens from mid-May to early July. That said, don’t give up hope! Some farms, especially in places like Massachusetts, might squeeze out a smaller second harvest from mid-August to late September. Keep in mind, though, that you might not be able to pick them yourself.
Down in the Southwest, things might have peaked a bit earlier, say, between mid-May and July. And further south, in the Deep South, you’re probably looking at a peak season way back in late April and May.
But wait, there’s more! It’s not just where you are, but what kind of strawberry we’re talking about.
Those June-bearing strawberries I mentioned earlier? They’re usually done for by August. But then you have “everbearing” strawberries. Now, don’t let the name fool you – they don’t produce constantly. Instead, they usually give you two main harvests: one in the spring, and another in late summer or early fall – think August and September. And then there are “day-neutral” strawberries. These guys are the overachievers, flowering and fruiting pretty much continuously from June until the first frost. They can keep you in strawberries all summer long, including August!
So, how do you actually find these elusive August strawberries? Here’s the inside scoop:
- Hit up your local farms and farmers’ markets. These are your best friends. They’ll know exactly what’s ripe and ready in your neck of the woods. Give them a call or check their websites for the latest info.
- Keep an eye out for “Everbearing” or “Day-neutral” varieties. If you’re planting your own, these are your best bet for late-summer berries.
- Be a picky shopper. No matter when you’re buying strawberries, look for berries that are a nice, even red, and feel firm to the touch. Give them a sniff – they should smell like, well, strawberries! Steer clear of berries that are too soft, have white spots near the stem, or look moldy. And make sure those little green caps (the calyxes) are still attached and look fresh.
Bottom line? While peak strawberry season might be behind us, it’s totally possible to find fresh, delicious strawberries in August. Do a little detective work, keep an open mind, and get ready to enjoy that sweet taste of summer just a little bit longer!