Depending on the location, there may be mulched or straw rows to   help you avoid any mud. To avoid the risk of having your chosen location picked out before you arrive, it is best to pick in the early morning. As strawberries are very perishable, they should be purchased a few days prior to use. It is important to choose berries that are firm, plump, and which have a shiny, deep red color. This ensures that you are receiving the berries of highest quality. You will want to check if your producer provides containers, or if you will need to bring your own- Tupperware or ice cream pails work nicely! Pick one strawberry at a time, and set strawberries into your container. Since strawberries will not continue to ripen once they are picked, avoid those berries with yellow or green patches, as they will not be at peak flavor and texture. Always leave the green caps and a bit of the stem attached to keep them fresh as long as possible!

Freeze any strawberries you don't use within a few days. Wash the berries and pat dry before freezing. You may either remove the cap or leave it intact, depending on what you plan to use them for when thawed. Freezing them on a flat pan or cookie sheet before transferring them to a plastic bag will keep them from sticking to one another. Your strawberries will be good when frozen for up to one year, and will allow you to enjoy your Minnesota Grown berries year round! Additional preparation tips for your strawberries, including advice for freezing or preserving, are available on the University of Minnesota Extension website. Check out websites of local producers to discover more of the endless, delicious ways to use this summer's berry crop!