Red, Ripe, and Ready for the Picking ~ Strawberry Season at Jones Family Farm Shelton CT in Full Swing

Red, Ripe, and Ready for the Picking ~ Strawberry Season at Jones Family Farm Shelton CT in Full Swing


The 2011 strawberry season is in full swing at Jones Family Farm at the Pumpkinseed Hill and Valley Farm locations.  

Farmer Jones says this year’s crop is plentiful.  However, strawberry season only lasts a few weeks so don’t delay in getting to the farm to do some picking.

On the day you plan to do, please call the Farmer Jones Crop Line at (203-929-8425) to get the daily update on which farm is ready to be picked that day.

What are the days and hours of picking?   Normal picking hours are Monday through Saturday 8am until 5:30pm and Sundays from 8am until 12pm.  Again, please check the Crop Line on the day you plan to pick.

From just outside the parking lot, the Queen Berry II will pick you up and deliver you to the fields.  You will want to be prepared for comfortable picking by dressing appropriately.

How should you dress?  Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, water and sunscreen.  It’s hot in those fields, and the work is demanding but oh…so worth it!

How do you pick a strawberry?  Lift the green leaves and pick berries that are completely red.  A strawberry will not ripen more once it is picked.  Also, leave about a ¼” stem on the berry which prevents bruising the berry and makes the berry last longer.

In order to ensure the safety of the crops, Jones Family Farms asks that those who visit:

• Wash hands before picking or after using a restroom facility

• Do not bring pets or plan to picnic on the farm

• Follow government guidelines for food safety include washing produce before eating, wearing clean clothes while harvesting, and not harvesting when feeling ill.

Strawberries are sold by the pound and Jones Family Farms provides a free picking container.  The price is $2.79/lb.under 8 lbs. in one box; $2.13/lb over 8 lbs. in one box.

Enjoy your luscious, fresh-picked strawberries. Eat them as they are, make smoothies, add on top of cakes or cheesecakes, make a pie, or make a strawberry margerita.

Here are some Jones Family Farms recipes to try out.  I have made the strawberry pie several times. It is so simple and always a hit as it disappears very quickly.  Enjoy!

Red, Ripe, and Ready for the Picking ~ Strawberry Season at Jones Family Farm Shelton CT in Full Swing