Strawberries Are in Season, Farmers Market to Open

Strawberry season in Connecticut has begun and will continue through early July, at around Independence Day.

This year's crop has good size, juiciness and flavor, according to a press release issued by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

"We are seeing some beautiful berries this season," Agriculture Commissioner Steven Reviczky said in the press release. "I just bought my first quart and nearly ate them all in one sitting.  They were so delicious it was hard to stop.  In fact, the only reason I didn't eat them all was because I knew how disappointed my wife would be if I didn't save her any!"

Strawberries are one of the first produce crops to appear at farmers' markets, which have begun opening up around the state.  

The Sandy Hook Organic at Fairfield Hills Farmers Market is set to open 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 28. It will run through October 18 and will open every Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture said it is working with 123 certified farmers' markets this year, all of which sell Connecticut Grown produce.  Many also sell meat, seafood, dairy and cheese, honey, maple, and other items grown and raised in the state.  The vast majority of markets run weekly and will continue through October.

Pick-your-own farms are a popular option, particularly during strawberry season. Here are two options, which offer pick-your-own strawberries and other fruit, that are opened this time of year:

Jones Family Farms: 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, CT  06484. Tel: 203-929-8425.

Norton Bros. Fruit Farm, LLC: 466 Academy Road, Cheshire, CT  06410. Tel: 203-272-8418

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture said it has published two brochures to help consumers this season. Connecticut Farmers' Markets 2011 and 2011 Connecticut Pick-Your-Own Farms also are available in print at the department's office, located at 165 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, and at University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Centers and USDA Farm Service Agency offices throughout the state.