Strawberry Picking

In South Carolina, the arrival of April doesn’t just bring pollen and blooming azaleas; it signals the true start of the state's sweetest season. While out driving today I noticed the strawberry field was full of workers picking the sweet jewels at there peak right now.

Strawberry season in South Carolina typically runs fromlate March through early June, but April is the "sweet spot." Growers across the state, from the coastal Lowcountry to the rolling Upstate, have been busy protecting their delicate blooms from the occasional late frost. Our local berries, prized for their deep red color and high sugar content.

Picking your own berries is a rite of passage for us locals. There is a distinct difference between a grocery store berry and a field-fresh SC strawberry: the local ones are usually smaller, red all the way through, and possess a fragrance that can fill an entire kitchen.

3 Ways I like to use my fresh berries

With a gallon-sized bucket (or three) after a trip to the farm, here are three ways to highlight their flavor while they are at their freshest.

1. Strawberries n cream

Ingredients

1 qt Fresh local Strawberries

1 cup fresh whipping cream

2 confections sugar

splash of vanilla extract

Method

• Wash strawberries“don’t remove the top”

• Place a metal mixing bowl and metal whisk into the freezer for 10 minutes.

• Add sugar to the cold mixing bowl and slowly pour in the whipping cream.

• Whisk just until the cream reaches stiff peaks.

Let the Strawberries be the star of the show with their natural flavor. Using the leaves as a handle dip the strawberry into the fresh cream and enjoy.

2. Strawberry over Warm Biscuits

While many people reach for angel food cake, a true South Carolinian will reach for a hot buttermilk biscuit. To do this right, slice your berries and toss them with a few tablespoons of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let them sit for about 30 minutes until they create their own rich red syrup. Split a warm biscuit, ladle the berries and syrup over the top, and add a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

3. Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Salad

If you want something savory, strawberries are the perfect companion for a fresh spring salad. Because April also brings local greens like arugula and spinach to SC farmers' markets.

• Toss fresh greens with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese (or feta), and toasted pecans.

• Drizzle with good quality olive Oil and balsamic vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the sweetness of the berry, creating a sophisticated side dish to accompany any meal.