Local strawberry season is only a week or two away, and the prospects for picking or buying the fresh fruits are promising, state agriculture officials said this week.
Strawberry fields across the state are on track for normal opening dates, which typically range from the third and fourth weeks of June for southern and metro area berries, to early July for northern Minnesota.
"The berries look phenomenal," said David Lorence, from Lorence's Berry Farm in Northfield. "This is probably as good as we've ever seen them look."
Growers said that good growing conditions this year have helped the berry crop, as well as careful attention during winter so that plants were appropriately protected from cold temperatures.
Because conditions vary from day to day and from farm to farm, Tessa Ganser from the state Agriculture Department suggested that consumers call ahead before visiting any berry farms.
The 2015 Minnesota Grown Directory includes 86 strawberry farms where consumers can pick and purchase strawberries, or simply buy them pre-picked.
The farms are listed in the Minnesota Grown Directory, at www.minnesotagrown.com.
Consumers may also order a free copy of the printed directory at the website, or by calling 1-888-TOURISM during business hours.
