Picking: Strawberries

By: Kirsten Vala
In the strawberry farm at Johnson's Corner Farm

It's strawberry season! Last weekend I discovered an early patch of local strawberries, visiting Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford, NJ. But over the next few weeks, berry farms across the country will be opening for business, fresh fruit ripe and ready in the fields. Visit PickYourOwn.org to find a farm near you, and DO NOT let strawberry season slip by without a journey to the source. Plucking your food off a plant is pure, priceless fun with friends and family.

Strawberry Fields

And, of course, the best part is figuring out what to do with your strawberries once you get home. Find inspiration from TasteSpotting or see what Jamie Oliver suggests in his cooking-from-the-garden show Jamie at Home.

Next Up

Picking: Sour Cherries

I can't get enough of sour cherries! Growing up in Ohio, I'd spend the first half of June up in the cherry tree, reaching for every last make-you-pucker fruit. Even with my "one for the bucket, two for me" mentality, my family ended up with loads of cherries that we'd make into pies, jam, cobblers, muffins and more.

Mascarpone-Stuffed Strawberries

A quick, no-cook, red-white-and-blue dessert to serve at your July 4th picnic.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake are layered on top of a rich graham cracker crust in this easy no-bake recipe that's perfect for summer entertaining.

Fresh Homemade Strawberry Jell-O

Cooking Channel shows you how to make your own Jell-O that's better than the boxed kind using fresh strawberries and gelatin.

Get Creative with Strawberry Shots!

Boozy strawberries are an easy dish to make for summer parties, and fun to experiment with.

25 Amazing Things to Make With Strawberries

Strawberry season has commenced early this year, so celebrate with our best strawberry recipes. Here are 25 ideas to start enjoying everyone's favorite berry.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here