top picks for strawberry season in the low country

April marks the start of strawberry season in the low country, peaking until June. These antioxidant-rich berries might be on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list when grown conventionally, but they are quite beneficial for your health (and community) when picked locally. Find out how to source local strawberries in season, wash them, and lastly, prepare a delicious treat with them. ​

Where you can pick your own strawberries locally

BOONE HALL FARM
2521 Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

Boone Hall’s annual Lowcountry Strawberry Festival will be held April 29 through May 2. There is a $12 admission fee for adults and an $8 admission for kids, and U-pick strawberries are $2.49 per pound. Event admission includes family access to a petting zoo, acrobatic dog shows, pig races, a three-story slide tower, trampolines and jump areas, live entertainment, vendor exhibits, free parking and festival/tractor rides. 

HICKORY BLUFF
245 Hickory Bluff Lane, Holly Hill, SC 29059

Don't forget to wash your strawberries afterward

DIY PRODUCE WASH:
Mix 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of white vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Squirt your produce with the solution, let it rest for a minute or two, then rinse with water. 

TRADER JOE'S FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WASH:
100% clean, naturally-derived ingredients at a great price! This creates a soapy consistency and works great on waxy produce like fruit. A little of this certainly goes a long way. ​

Enjoy a healthier Strawberry Daiquiri

INGREDIENTS:
½ cup strawberries
Handful of ice 
1.5 oz rum
1 tablespoon organic lime juice (Santa Cruz or Lakewood brand)
1 tablespoon preferred sweetener (Monk fruit, honey or xylitol)

DIRECTIONS:
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth and slushy. 
*Double or triple this recipe for multiple servings

Photography: Simply Recipes

Fire up the grill for some strawberry kebabs

INGREDIENTS:
15-20 medium-large strawberries
1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Pinch of dried mint leaves 
Pinch of sea salt 
Avocado oil for coating

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash strawberries thoroughly and be sure to dry well. Remove the stems and cut each one in half, longwise.
2. Slide each strawberry one by one onto the skewer, adding in one or two basil leaves between each strawberry. 
3. Preheat outdoor or stovetop grill/barbecue. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, balsamic vinegar, dried mint leaves and sea salt.
4. Brush a small amount of avocado oil onto the flat side of the strawberries, then place the skewers on the grill once hot. Grill until each side is slightly charred, approx. 30 seconds per side. 
5. Place skewers on a plate and brush the balsamic mixture on both sides. ​

Cool off with a refreshing strawberry salad

INGREDIENTS:
1 oz greens of your choice (Spring Mix, 50/50 Blend, Baby Spinach or Kale)
3/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup of toasted almonds, pecans or pistachios
Handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

DRESSING:
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Assemble salad and toss gently. 
3. Slowly add in the dressing, assessing the amount while continuing to toss. 

*Tip: Slice the onions first and keep them in a bowl of cold water to preserve flavor and remove harsh bite. 

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