Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has encouraged Iowans to visit a strawberry patch or shop at a farmers market to take advantage of the delicious, fresh berries.
Northey said that many strawberry growers across the state are predicting a bumper crop.
?The mild winter and wet spring have created a nearly ideal growing situation for fruits and vegetables in Iowa and strawberries are leading the way. Growers across the state are reporting tons of blooms,? Northey said.
Strawberry harvest season only lasts about 3 weeks in Iowa and harvest times vary across the state.
Strawberries go from bloom to fruit in about 30 days and are best eaten within a few days of being picked.
?Fresh picked strawberries are a delicious treat that often kickoff the growing season and summer full of enjoying fresh, Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables.”
As a favorite fruit among many Iowans, strawberries are low in calories and fat-free. They are also a good source of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber.
“Visiting a local farmers market or going to a you-pick farm is a great way to find fresh berries that can be enjoyed fresh, used in baking or preserved as jellies or jams,? Northey said.
