Take advantage of strawberry season!

In June, Western Mass is a blush of strawberries as harvest approaches. Don’t be afraid of buying too much as they can be frozen and used throughout the year.

It’s been really exciting the past few weeks in Western MA. Everything is growing like crazy, farmers’ markets are getting busy and the first of CSA share pick-ups are starting to happen. We are pretty lucky to live in an area where we are surrounded by such rich soil, have access to local farms and live where we can know where our food comes from. Thankfully, a good number of farms in the area also offer subsidized community agricultural shares.

One of my favorite things to see at the farmers’ market, is the abundance and variety of beautiful foods. I also appreciate the hard work that goes behind all that we see and buy at the market. It takes a lot of sweat and dedication to make these things happen.

This week at the market, I was really excited to see that it’s Strawberry season. The sweetness and beautiful rich reds in them, say enough. I usually try to get as many as I can, from either local markets, pick your own farms or from my own garden. If you ever find you have more than you need, just freeze them and use them throughout the year. I still have a few quarts of local berries in my freezer from last summer, that go well in many things.

There are a lot of things you can make with strawberries. Making jam at our house is always a favorite, it’s also something that we like to make and send to our families in the South. Homemade ice cream has also been a hit around here, but it’s something we do every great once in a while, not as frequent as other recipes. I also love to make them with shortbread or add them to a delicious summer salad.
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Another favorite thing we love to make is smoothies. It’s that time of year where the weather starts to warm up and kids love to have something cool in their tummies. It’s also something good for little ones who are constantly craving something to eat, such my own child. Here is a easy recipe for a smoothie with local strawberries, very simple and fun to make with kids.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie Lynn Lucio
Leslie is from Texas but has always been drawn to New England. She lives in the town of Northampton and loves living in Western Massachusetts. She spends a lot of time with her five year old and connecting with the community. Her interest include cooking, DIY projects,writing, biking, being outdoors, photography, restoration, food preservation and social activism. She spends some of her time farming when she can and also you can spot her working with the Pedal People.

[Photo credit: (c) Leslie Lynn Lucio]