Fresh Picked Strawberries
Strawberries are here. About time, right? I do feel like this harvest season has been a bit off. Usually I’m able to find a couple of farmers selling fresh local strawberries by Memorial Day. Though this year it seems that last weekend was the first opportunity. Luckily, they’re a fruit that linger. I can recall still getting strawberries after July 4th last year in my CSA.
Strawberries have never been my favorite fruit, though there’s something about biting into a fresh, juicy strawberry, warmed from the sun, that makes me so happy beyond reason. Maybe it’s because it signals other fruit is coming soon? As soon as strawberries pique, blueberries, raspberries, cherries and other stone fruit isn’t far behind. A full summer of fresh fruit waits for the taking. But hurry, it will be gone before you know it.
I do my best to harness the flavors of spring and summer all year round. Sure, I still enjoy what I can now, but there’s nothing like slathering a fresh piece of bread with strawberry rhubarb jam in the middle of the summer. It gives you hope that warmth is not that far away. To celebrate the real coming of summer, strawberries as a market for all that will follow, I’ve compiled some of my favorite strawberry recipes. Some for now, and some for later.
Accidental Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cocktail
Gazpacho with a Strawberry Twist
Not So Sweet Strawberry Shortcake
Simple Strawberry Vinegar
Strawberry Lavender Jam
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Strawberry Rosemary Ice Cream — Philly Style
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberries
Brooklyn Locavore 
my strawberries do not look so good this season. We have had too much rain. They are small and not sweet. I will have to stop by the farmers market to pick some up today. I love to make strawberry and watermelon gazpacho. Happy Spring from Colorado.
Happy spring to you as well Connie. What I’ve seen at the market to date has not been impressive, but I’m hoping for a surge in the coming weeks.
I have not checked our local market but will on Wednesday. This is the first time I have grown strawberries in Colorado. In California where I am from we had lovely berries but then most of the country gets their berries from Central California. Living in Central California does not prepare one well for life in other states. The farmers markets are all year and the produce is the best.
I just got some strawberries this week also, it’s about time and seems so late. Made some jam, need more love your line up of recipes, YUM.
I got to the market too late this weekend and what I found was a bit disappointing. Hopefully there will be better selection next weekend when I go EARLY.
So beautiful and all look super delicious! I’ve made strawberry jam with rose, but not lavender, Must be amazing!
Mmm…need to try it with rose. That sounds great!