The sweet aroma of fresh strawberries is what draws me to the fields every spring. I look forward to picking berries with my kids. Over the years, this has become a Mother’s Day weekend tradition. We are fortunate to live in an area that has several pick-your-own berry farms located within a short driving distance from our home.
If you have never been to a strawberry patch to pick your own berries, you don’t know what you are missing. Fresh picked strawberries tend to be more fragrant and flavorful than most store-bought varieties. We have made wonderful cocktails, salads, ice cream, desserts and jam with our berries.
Making strawberry shortcake is a fresh and easy crowd pleaser. We love slicing our fresh berries and seasoning them with a little bit of good balsalmic vinegar. Let the berries sit in a bowl for 15-30 minutes until ready to serve. Then, spoon the berries (and the juice they have created) over angel food cake. Top with a small dollop of homemade whipped cream. If you love simple fresh desserts, this one is a fun way to get outside with your family and create an easy dessert. I highly encourage you to find a local farm and bring some hand-picked berries home to your family!
Here is a list of local farms in the Charlotte area that offer pick-your-own strawberries:
- Linebergers (two locations Iron Station and Dallas)
- Carrigan Farms in Mooresville
- Patterson Farm in Mt. Ulla
- Wise Acres in Indian Trail
- Hall Family Farm in Lancaster, SC
Later in the summer we will be picking blueberries and cherries. Check back and see where we go and what we create with these local fruits.
