Strawberry Picking Places in Salem, Oregon: A Sweet Adventure for the Family
Hello, lovely parents of Salem, Oregon! Are you ready to sprinkle some sweetness into your family activities? It’s berry-picking time, and what better way to enjoy the sunny days than venturing out to the luscious strawberry fields around Salem? We’ve got the scoop on the best strawberry picking places in town complete with fun for the whole family! ?
Why Strawberry Picking?
Strawberry picking offers more than just a basket of fresh berries. It’s an educational experience for children and a chance to engage with nature. They learn about where food comes from, agriculture practices, and the importance of local farming. Plus, it’s an entertaining way to promote healthy eating – kids love to eat what they’ve picked themselves!
Finding the Sweetest Spots in Salem
Gearing up to hunt for those ruby-red jewels? We’re here to guide you through the rows of ripe berries with a list of delightful destinations in the Salem area where your family can enjoy picking strawberries and basking in the great outdoors.
E.Z. Orchards Farm Market
Address: 5504 Hazel Green Rd NE, Salem, OR
With a tradition that dates back to 1929, E.Z. Orchards offers a serene strawberry picking experience set against the backdrop of picturesque fields. At E.Z. Orchards, you get to savor the beauty of the Willamette Valley while hunting for the juiciest berries. Their strawberries are known for their vibrant flavor, making this a top choice for families.
Fordyce Farm
Address: 7023 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR
If you’re looking for variety, Fordyce Farm is the place to be. Boasting several types of strawberries, this family-run farm invites you to pick to your heart’s content. They have picnic areas where you can relish your freshly picked strawberries right on the spot. Don’t forget to visit their bakery for some homemade strawberry treats!
Beilke Family Farm
Address: 4925 Rockdale St NE, Brooks, OR
Nestled just outside Salem, Beilke Family Farm has been offering a pick-your-own berry experience since 1950. Their fun-filled atmosphere is perfect for the little ones, and the farm is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring you’re picking the healthiest of berries.
Tips for a Berry Good Time
Strawberry picking can be blissful and a bit messy sometimes. Here are some essential tips to make your adventure as perfect as a ripe strawberry:
- Go Early: The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the best pick of strawberries! Starting your day early when the weather is cooler is ideal.
- Wear Suitable Clothing: Dress in comfy, old clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Strawberries can leave a stain, and fields may be muddy.
- Bring Supplies: Sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and perhaps a light snack will make your trip enjoyable and comfortable.
- Get Ready to Kneel: Strawberries hide under their leaves, so be prepared to spend some time kneeling or bending over while searching for the ripe ones.
- Teach Gently: Show your kids how to carefully twist the strawberries off the plants to avoid squishing the berries or harming the plants.
- Check Policies: Some farms may have their own rules regarding picking, containers, and payments, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead.
Before we wrap up this sweet introduction to strawberry picking around Salem, let’s talk preservation. After all, you’ll want to keep those strawberries as fresh as the memories you’ll make. Here are some quick tips:
- Keep them Cool: Strawberries love the cold. As soon as you’re home, place them in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
- Dry Storage: Keep your strawberries dry in the fridge; moisture speeds up spoilage. Only wash them right before eating or using in recipes.
- Freezing: If you’ve picked more than you can consume promptly, freezing is a great option. Lay the berries on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
Picking strawberries is indeed a delightful family activity that combines fun, education, and delicious rewards. Stay tuned for more detail-rich goodies on strawberry picking, like the best recipes to use with your Salem-grown strawberries, local farmer insights, and more! Hooray for strawberry season! ?
5 Things Parents Should Know When Preparing for Strawberry Picking in Salem, Oregon
Before you set out on your berry-filled adventure, here’s a handful of essential pointers to ensure your strawberry picking experience is the absolute berry best:
1. Season and Timing Matter
Strawberries have their peak seasons, and in Salem, the best time to pick is typically from late May through June. These little red gems ripen at different rates, so visiting fields multiple times during the season can yield a variety of flavors and sizes.
2. Choosing the Right Farms
Select farms that practice sustainable agriculture to support the environment and provide your family with the healthiest fruit options. Organic farms are also a great choice, as they grow strawberries without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
3. Sun Protection and Hydration
Strawberry fields are often exposed to direct sunlight. Slather on that sunscreen, pack wide-brimmed hats for each family member, and bring enough water to keep hydrated. Protecting against the sun and staying hydrated will make for a more pleasant day under the Salem skies.
4. Plan for the Harvest Haul
Check with the farm if they provide containers or if you should bring your own. If you’re bringing buckets, make sure they’re not too large. Heavy containers can crush the delicate berries underneath the weight. Light, shallow containers are typically best for keeping your strawberries safe.
5. Have a Post-picking Plan
Think ahead about what you’ll do with your strawberries. Whether it’s making jam, baking treats, or freezing for later, planning can help you make the most of your bounty. Consider looking up recipes or storage tips beforehand so those delicious berries don’t go to waste.
Embracing these five handy tips will help ensure that your strawberry picking excursion is stress-free and delightful for everyone involved. So grab those baskets and round up the kids, because the fields are ripe and waiting, and so are the fun times and lip-smacking strawberries in Salem’s very own countryside. Happy picking!
More Than Just Picking: Education and Activity Blended Together
Strawberry picking in Salem isn’t just about the fruit; it’s a full educational experience. While engaging in this activity, you can take the opportunity to teach your little ones about different strawberry varieties and their growth cycles. Some farms may even offer educational tours or provide insights into their farming practices.
Moreover, berry picking encourages physical activity. Kids will love the treasure hunt aspect as they search for those hidden red jewels. It’s an organic way (pun intended!) to get the kids moving, bending, and stretching in the fresh open air.
So, parents of Salem, when you’re ready for a day of sweet fun, head out to the strawberry fields. With the right preparation and a happy spirit, strawberry picking can become a cherished annual tradition for the whole family. Enjoy those moments of connection with nature, learning, and of course, the sweetness of strawberries right from the source. Keep scrolling for even more tips and tricks, and let’s make this strawberry season the most memorable one yet!
See more great Things to Do with Kids in Oregon here. For more information see here
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