U Pick Strawberries-By Guest Blogger Shirley

July13

Shirley was one of the students in my blog writing class this spring. She has written this beautiful piece. Looks like one of those cases where the student could teach the teacher a thing or two…..

“Anyone who loves strawberries knows the sweet, juicy flavour of fresh-picked strawberries is second to none. Not only are these delights of nature beautiful to look at with their crisp red appeal, they absolutely tantalize the taste buds. Maybe part of the intense flavour explosion stems from picking them ourselves.

Just a few minutes outside Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba, there are various U-Pick Strawberry farms. Many are operated as family businesses providing reliable quality and service. I remember going strawberry picking with my Mom and Dad when I was a little girl. It was so much fun to hear my Dad tell stories of how I would focus on the task at hand and pick strawberries right along with my parents.

I was taught how to respect the tender plants and pick cleanly, not eat while picking, and simply select the beautiful red berries. Okay, don’t tell: my Dad would let me try a berry or two near the end, and oh, the sweetest taste filled my mouth! I still remember how wonderful those delightful excursions to the strawberry fields were. Somehow it never seemed like work.

Today I still find the whole process from picking to eating the strawberries, in whatever form they end up, to be enjoyable. Food is love. Strawberries are love.

I froze these on cookie sheets before bagging them so that they do not go mushy.

After hulling and washing these delectable jewels bursting with flavour and nutritional goodness, they can be eaten fresh out of hand, added to cereal, and made into various delicious desserts such as strawberry trifle or strawberry shortcake. They can also be frozen for use out of season when we yearn for the sweet taste of summer berries.

What memories do the smell of strawberries bring to you?”