Strawberry Season Hits Salem

A friend invited my kiddos and me out to Daum’s Produce Farm to pick some delicious strawberries. It was just the right weather for picking, not too hot with a slight breeze to cool us down. I’ve never been to Daum’s. I usually go to Fordyce Farms, however I was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted by the owner who was friendly. It’s a smaller operation, but I can tell that the owners put lots of heart into what they sell. It can’t be easy to be a farmer. Gosh, I have three 10 x 4 foot raised beds that I can hardly keep track of. And Daum’s manages acres of strawberries, blackberries, marion berries, peaches, apples and grapes.

At home I rinsed and hulled the tops off the berries, made some freezer jam for the first time, and froze the rest of the berries whole. I was amazed at how easy it is to make freezer jam. Really no cooking….N-I-C-E. I do like the smooth consistency of the cooked jam though. I think I’ll head out this weekend to get more and make some easy peasy jam like I do every summer since my friend Sonia showed me how. I never picked berries as a kid nor canned anything, but I do want to teach my kiddos how. Picking local berries and making something scrumptious helps my children (as well as myself) understand the effort that goes into good food. And really helps celebrate the season. It just wouldn’t feel like summer without those huge, red, ripe strawberries.

Head out to Daum’s 8801 Wallace Road NW, Salem, OR. Phone: 503-362-7246 for a change of pace and some flavorful produce. Apparently the strawberry season is winding down this next week or so. Can summer really be here already?

Do you pick berries or have some favorite recipes to share? I’m all ears!