Strawberry picking time is finally here. I got 2 gallons yesterday and 1 today. I am so thankful that the strawberry harvest comes in early summer. If the blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries all came at the same time there would be no way I could keep up. Last year, I canned all the berries–turning them into jam or into strawberry sauce for pancakes. I still have sauce left so most of these will go into the freezer to be used for smoothies throughout the year. I will make a batch or 2 of jam.
Lily invented her own “yogurt” this evening using frozen strawberries and frozen mango. We added just enough water to be able to blend it and she ate it with a spoon.
Strawberry plants need to be reigned in. They spread by runner prolifically. I was giving away plants this spring as I was tearing them out by the handful where they had escaped from the raised beds. A friend reported that 2 of her children picked berries from this gifted plant they had planted in their yard. They declared them to be delicious–the best they ever had. Exactly! They grew it, they saw it ripen in the sun, and were paid for their efforts with an amazing strawberry. Top that Kroger! I think we have forgotten to appreciate our food. Growing some or most of your food gives you a real sense of their value. There is no way I would let my hard-earned strawberries go bad.
Last fall as I picked and picked and picked and picked and picked raspberries, I dreamed of a berry picking basket that I could hang around my neck. I finally found someone thinking like me. I going to need this. the blackberry harvestis going to be amazing. Now, to get my McGuyver-esque hubby to perfect this: http://tallcloverfarm.com/?p=93
Small Wonder Nutrition 
I agree-it does taste better when you grow it yourself and you appreciate it more. Our tiny strawberry patch didn’t have much this year. I plan to rebuild it. We did go to a friend’s and to Annie’s orchard though to pick and we’ve been in strawberry heaven! Growing up we always ventured into the mountains to pick huckleberries. You better believe we tried not to let a single one drop to the ground! So much work, but oh, so worth it! We used ice cream buckets or aluminum cans around our necks–very similar to the picture! Love your picture of Lily and the strawberry. Priceless! p.s. we’ve got the raised beds built and planted. I am so excited!