Finke’s Berry Farm Bustling as Strawberries Hit Prime

Strawberry Picking Season In Full Swing

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It’s that time of year again!

“When people think about strawberries around Minnesota, it’s July,” said Diane Felde-Finke.

Finke’s Berry Farm in Carlton is in full swing.

“They’ll come out and pick 10, 12 15 buckets,” Diane said.

The farm grows 65,000 strawberry plants each year.

“The fruit clusters can have anywhere from seven berries to 17 berries, depending on the season, depending on the weather,” explained Doug Finke.

So far this season, owners Doug and Diane say the weather has been cooperative.

“It was surprising because we didn’t have as much snow as we wanted this winter, but the temperatures weren’t quite as severe for long periods of time,” admitted Diane.

The natural protection actually explains how strawberries got their name.

“Strawberries in the winter are covered with straw to protect them from the elements and the cold temperatures,” Diane explained. “Also, in the summer when you’re picking them, the straw then underneath the berries keeps everything clean.”

When you’re out picking berries, it’s easy to spot what you’re looking for. All you’ve got to do is search for the biggest and reddest berries you can find.

Plus, Doug and Diane say there are health benefits to farm–grown berries, explaining that strawberries don’t continue to produce sugar once they are picked.

“The berries in the store are picked before they’re fully ripe. The lovely thing about any berry grown locally is you pick it when it’s ripe so all the sugar is in it,” Diane explained.

“The total season lasts about 3.5 weeks,” Diane said.

And while the season is short, it’s sweet, for certain.