Strawberry season kicks off in Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Glad strawberry season, Hampton Roads!

The southern half of Virginia Seashore is understood for its many strawberry farms. There are strawberries on the town seal, and earlier than the pandemic threw a wrench in issues, there was a Pungo Strawberry Pageant yearly.

That is been canceled for 2022, however the berries are nonetheless flourishing!

“Virginia Seashore is the biggest strawberry producer within the Commonwealth, with the worth of 2021 crops estimated to be value greater than $1.5 million,” the town mentioned in a information launch.

Town is sharing tips on the place individuals can go to to get contemporary strawberries, and methods to take advantage of out of a pick-your-own berry tour.

Roy Flanagan, an Agriculture & Pure Assets Extension Agent, is an area knowledgeable. He mentioned if you would like the freshest berries, select ones which are vibrant pink, and gently twist them off the stem to select them. 

He advisable storing them in shallow containers, and never over-packing these containers, to maintain the berries from bruising. He additionally mentioned it is best to go away the stems on and the berries unwashed till you are able to eat them.

Listed below are some locations individuals can go to in Virginia Seashore to get contemporary, native strawberries:

• Brookdale Farm: 2060 Vaughan Highway
• Cullipher Farm Market: 772 Princess Anne Highway
• Flanagan Farms: Princess Anne Highway & Muddy Creek Highway
• Flip Flop Farmer: 3244 New Bridge Highway
• Henley Farm: 3213 Charity Neck Highway
• Henley’s at Nice Ridge: 2061 Nice Ridge Highway
• Salem Berry Farm: 1763 Salem Highway
• Vaughan Farms’ Produce: 1258 Princess Anne Highway

• Bay Breeze Farms: 1136 Sandbridge Highway
• Cindy’s Produce: 2385 Harpers Highway
• VB Farmers Market: 3640 Dam Neck Highway

To get the farms’ cellphone numbers and electronic mail addresses, click on right here.