Strawberry season is here!

It’s strawberry time in the Upstate! We headed with a group of friends to Hunter Farms in Easley, about a 25 minute drive from downtown Greenville, after two days of being cooped up due to the threat of inclement weather. The family business started out in 1997 with only 1.5 acres, but today has grown to include a second farm, and you-pick in addition to wholesale. During strawberry season they sell at the Easley Farmers Market, the Clemson Farmers Market, the Six Mile Farmers Market, and at the NC State Farmers Market in Asheville, NC.

We parked and headed over to the sales shed to pick up a couple of baskets. The strawberry fields are conveniently located just adjacent to the parking area, and as the season had just begun the rows were full of enormous berries. We didn’t have to stray far down our row to fill our baskets, and both boys emerged with chins and hands stained red. The smell of fresh-picked strawberries is a seasonal delight, something I have been dreaming of all winter.

In addition to the berries, Hunter Farms also sells strawberry plugs for planting, honey, hanging baskets and potted plants. We bought a couple strawberry shakes to tide us over until lunch, but the smoothie and refreshment menu also includes coffee and other fruit combos.

Strawberry season typically runs through mid June, so you have plenty of time to pick your fill! The hours at Hunter Farms are Monday-Friday from 8am - 7pm, Saturday 8am - 6pm and Sunday from 1pm - 5pm. Prices are $10/gallon to pick your own and $12/gallon for already picked. Remember to bring a sun hat and sunscreen!

Now I just have to hope there are enough strawberries left over for a few strawberry smoothies, a tart and definitely some eton mess!