There’s nothing quite like strawberry season in New Jersey. For a few short weeks each spring, our fields come alive with bright red berries, sweet aromas, and families making memories together on the farm. Typically available from mid-May through mid-June (weather permitting), strawberries are one of the most anticipated harvests of the year.
But strawberries aren’t just delicious—they’re fascinating, too.
Did you know that strawberries are one of the first fruits to ripen each spring in New Jersey? The plants spend the winter resting in the fields before bursting back to life as temperatures warm. White blossoms appear first, and after pollination by bees and other beneficial insects, those flowers transform into the berries we eagerly await each year.
Here’s another fun fact: strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside. A single strawberry can have around 200 tiny seeds on its surface. Technically, each of those seeds is its own fruit, making strawberries one of nature’s most unique treats.
Whether you’re picking them fresh from the field, enjoying them in a frozen treat, or bringing home strawberry-inspired goodies from our farm stores, there are countless ways to experience strawberry season with us.
Pick Your Own Strawberries
One of the best ways to enjoy strawberry season is by heading into the fields and harvesting your own berries. As soon as you step into the strawberry patch, you’re greeted by the sweet fragrance of ripe fruit and the excitement of finding that perfect berry hidden beneath the leaves.
Strawberries ripen quickly during warm spring weather, which means every day in the field can offer a slightly different experience. The berries do not continue to ripen once picked, making it important to harvest them at their peak. That’s why picking your own allows you to select the reddest, sweetest berries straight from the plant.
This season, we’re making it even easier to enjoy strawberry picking with our new Sweet Savings Wednesdays. On select Wednesdays during strawberry season, admission is free and guests simply pay for the strawberries they pick by the quart. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day on the farm while taking home the freshest strawberries possible.
Because strawberry season is highly dependent on weather and field conditions, we always recommend calling ahead or checking our website before your visit for the latest picking updates.
Shop Fresh-Picked Strawberries at Our Farm Markets
Not interested in picking? We’ve got you covered.
Freshly harvested strawberries are available throughout the season at our Outdoor Farm Pavilion and year-round Farm Market in Chester, as well as at our:
- Mendham Farm Stand
- Chester Farm Stand
- Bridgewater Farm Stand
- Jefferson Farm Market
Our farm team harvests strawberries daily during peak season, bringing the freshest flavors straight from the field to our shelves.
Cool Off with Strawberry Treats
Nothing says summer on the farm quite like strawberry-flavored treats.
Visit our Ice Cream Stand and enjoy seasonal favorites inspired by the harvest, including:
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Strawberry Slushies
- Seasonal Strawberry Specials
Looking for an extra indulgence? Stop by Moe’s Sweets, open on weekends, for a classic Strawberry Shortcake and other seasonal strawberry desserts that showcase the sweetness of the harvest.
Strawberry-Inspired Finds Throughout the Farm Store
Strawberry season doesn’t stop in the fields. Throughout our Farm Market you’ll discover a variety of strawberry-themed products perfect for taking a little bit of the farm home with you.
Look for seasonal favorites such as:
- Strawberry jams and preserves
- Strawberry bakery desserts
- Strawberry Shortcake Bakery Mix
- Locally crafted small-batch natural soaps featuring a sweet strawberry fragrance
- Seasonal gift items and specialty foods
Each year brings new strawberry-inspired surprises, making every visit a little different.
Why We Love Strawberries
Besides their incredible flavor, strawberries are packed with benefits. They’re naturally rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to everything from breakfast to dessert.
Some fun strawberry facts:
- Strawberries belong to the rose family.
- The average strawberry plant can produce berries for several weeks during harvest season.
- Americans consume billions of pounds of strawberries each year.
- Fresh-picked local strawberries are often sweeter than berries shipped long distances because they can remain on the plant until fully ripe.
It’s one more reason why enjoying strawberries during their short local season is such a special treat.
Bring Strawberry Season Home
One of the best parts of the strawberry season is finding new ways to enjoy your harvest at home. Fresh strawberries are perfect for:
- Breakfast parfaits
- Smoothies
- Salads
- Homemade shortcakes
- Strawberry compotes
- Jams and preserves
- Baking and desserts
Looking for inspiration? Visit our website’s recipe collection for delicious strawberry recipes that help extend your farm experience long after your visit. From simple family favorites to seasonal desserts, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the flavor of fresh-picked strawberries.
Plan Your Strawberry Season Visit
Strawberry season is one of the shortest—and sweetest—harvests of the year. Whether you’re filling a basket in the fields, enjoying a strawberry ice cream cone, discovering unique strawberry gifts, or bringing home fresh berries from one of our farm locations, there are endless ways to make the most of the season.
