If you're like me, you can't get enough of strawberries. There is something about the combination of sweet and tart that always satisfies my cravings.
When they are perfectly ripe, strawberries are completely irresistible. However, an out-of-season strawberry is significantly less enjoyable.
Lucky for us, strawberry season is fast approaching. Specifically, it ranges from late May to mid-June. So, here are three farms near Rutgers University—New Brunswick where you can pick out the most delicious berries for the start of summer.
Giamarese Farm & Orchards
If you don't have as much time or don't want to stray too far from campus, Giamarese Farm is for you.
Located in East Brunswick, NJ, and opening on May 14, Giamarese offers a wide range of strawberries including Cabot, Chandler, Daroyal, Darselect, Mayflower, Rutgers Scarlet, Sunset, and Wendy. The farm also offers recipes for individuals to whip up with their picks.
This farm doesn't just offer strawberry picking in May. Individuals can also pick peas and spring greens. If this sounds interesting to you or you are simply someone who is looking for a laid-back trip, make sure to stop by Giamarese.
Battleview Orchards
Battleview Orchards is a slightly longer trip, but it is worth it! Plus, if you are in search of a cheaper option, this Freehold, NJ location may be of interest to you.
Here, you can enter the strawberry fields for only $5. Of course, this doesn't include how many berries you pick, but it is definitely less expensive than many of the alternatives.
If you are looking for just strawberries, this is the place for you. However, if you are in search of other fruits like sour cherries, peaches, or nectarines, you may want to wait until June or July. In terms of when strawberries will be available, the website says "Mid-May." You can watch for updates on their Facebook, though.
Although it is a little early to be picking strawberries, Battleview Orchards is hosting Customer Appreciation Day on May 5. This event will include raffles, in-store discounts, games, and hot donuts available for purchase. You can check out more information here.
Hauser Hill Farms
Located in Old Bridge, NJ, Hauser Hill is a great choice for individuals looking for more than just strawberries. Over 150 years old, this farm offers a wide variety of fruits and veggies.
The great thing about Hauser Hills is that, although the farm stand is located in Old Bridge, they also participate in various farmers' markets throughout the year. So, if you're looking to go strawberry picking closer to home after classes are over, you can visit one of their four off-site locations.
Although they don't offer as many games or events as other farms, you can count on your strawberries being fresh if you visit here.
The farm hasn't announced when strawberries will be available yet this season, but based on this photo of strawberries they posted on May 28 last year, you can probably expect them to be ready at the same time this year.