Strawberries are one of those fruits that seem to taste better when picked at just the right time. For many people, the first sweet, sun-warmed berry of the year is a reminder that summer is just around the corner. But knowing when is strawberry season happens—and how to make the most of it—can turn a good harvest into a great one.

Understanding Strawberry Season

In most parts of the United States, strawberry season begins in late spring and lasts into early summer. The timing shifts depending on your location and the weather that year.

A warm spring can bring berries earlier, while a cool, rainy start can delay things by a week or two.

How to Spot the Sweet Spot

If you want the best strawberries, it’s not just about the calendar—it’s about the signs.

• Color: Fully red, without green or white tips.

• Shine: A slight gloss means they’re freshly picked.

• Fragrance: Ripe strawberries have a sweet, noticeable scent.

When you find these three together, you’re in peak strawberry season.

Real-World Example: Champlain Orchards

In Vermont, Champlain Orchards is known for carefully timed strawberry harvests that often start in early June. They grow their berries using sustainable practices, which not only improves flavor but also protects the local environment. Visitors can pick their own strawberries during peak weeks, walking the rows with baskets and tasting as they go. It’s not just about fruit—it’s about the experience of being part of the season.

Tips for Enjoying Strawberry Season

1. Pick Your Own
   If you’ve never been to a pick-your-own farm, strawberry season is the perfect time to try. The berries you pick yourself often taste sweeter because they’ve ripened fully before harvest.

2. Shop Farmers’ Markets Early
   Arrive early in the day when the best berries haven’t yet sold out. Ask growers when they expect peak harvest—that’s when flavor is at its height.

3. Use Them Quickly
   Strawberries are delicate and don’t last long. Plan to eat or preserve them within a day or two.

4. Preserve the Season
   Freeze hulled strawberries for smoothies, or make small-batch jam to capture summer flavor for months to come.

A Short Strawberry Calendar

Here’s how a typical season might play out if you live in a northern climate:

• Late May: First early varieties appear in stores.

• Early June: Peak picking begins at local orchards like Champlain Orchards.

• Mid to Late June: Best flavor and availability.

• Early July: Season winds down, with smaller harvests.

Why Timing Matters for Flavor

Unlike some fruits, strawberries don’t ripen after picking. That’s why local berries, picked at full ripeness, taste so much better than those shipped long distances. Waiting until peak season means more sugar in the fruit and more complex flavor.

Planning Ahead for Next Year

If strawberry season feels short, it’s because it is—often just a few weeks. Mark your calendar based on this year’s peak so you’ll be ready next year. Some farms, including Champlain Orchards, post updates online so you can plan your visit when the fields are at their best.