Strawberries: The Sweet Start to Summer in Western New York

The first taste of summer often comes in the form of a perfectly ripe, ruby-red strawberry. Bursting with sweetness and fragrance, strawberries mark one of the most anticipated harvests of the year for both farmers and food lovers in Western New York. Whether you enjoy them straight from the carton, baked into desserts, or blended into smoothies, local strawberries remind us why eating seasonally is worth the wait.

A Fruit with Deep Roots

Strawberries have been cherished for centuries. Wild varieties were first gathered by Indigenous peoples throughout North America and Europe long before cultivation began. The modern strawberry — large, juicy, and aromatic — originated in 18th-century France, when a European species was crossed with a North American one. The result was the hybrid Fragaria × ananassa, the variety we know and love today.

In Western New York, strawberry season typically arrives in June, when farms like Brown’s Berry Patch, Abers Acres, and Becken Farms open their fields to pick-your-own visitors. These small family farms grow strawberries that are smaller and softer than supermarket ones — but far superior in flavor, thanks to being picked ripe and delivered fresh. Because local strawberries aren’t bred for long-distance shipping, their sweetness and aroma are unmatched.

Nutritional Power in Every Berry

Strawberries aren’t just delicious — they’re also one of the most nutrient-dense fruits you can eat.

Rich in vitamin C: Just one cup provides more than your daily requirement, boosting immunity and supporting skin health.
High in antioxidants: Anthocyanins, the compounds that give strawberries their red hue, help reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage.
A good source of fiber: Aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
Low in calories: Naturally sweet but light, making them a perfect healthy snack.
Heart-healthy: Regular strawberry consumption has been linked to improved circulation and lower cholesterol.

They’re also hydrating — made up of over 90% water — which makes them an especially refreshing treat on warm summer days.

How to Enjoy Fresh Strawberries

Strawberries are endlessly versatile, fitting easily into sweet and savory recipes alike. Here are a few FreshFix favorites:

Straight from the carton: There’s no better way to enjoy just-picked berries.
In salads: Pair with mixed greens, local goat cheese, and balsamic glaze for a summer-ready salad.
Baked into treats: Use them in shortcakes, crisps, muffins, or galettes.
Blended: Add to smoothies with yogurt and honey for a naturally sweet boost.
Savory pairings: Slice over grilled chicken or pork and top with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Preserved: Turn peak-season berries into homemade jam or freezer preserves to enjoy their flavor long after summer ends.

If you’re lucky enough to get local strawberries from FreshFix, eat them within a few days — they’re so fresh that they don’t need (or want) a long shelf life.

Storage Tips

Because strawberries are delicate, proper storage helps keep them at their best:

Don’t wash until ready to eat. Water speeds spoilage.
Inspect and remove soft berries. One spoiled berry can affect the rest.
Store in a single layer, if possible. Avoid stacking to prevent bruising.
Keep refrigerated. Store in the crisper drawer for up to three days.
Freeze for later. Hull and freeze berries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for smoothies or sauces.

For maximum flavor, bring refrigerated strawberries to room temperature before eating — it enhances their sweetness and aroma.

A Taste of Local Summer

Strawberries represent everything FreshFix stands for: food that’s local, seasonal, and full of flavor. When you bite into a WNY-grown berry, you’re tasting the care of local farmers and the richness of our regional soil.

Their arrival signals more than just the start of summer — it’s a celebration of community, connection, and the simple joy of eating something grown close to home. So, when strawberry season hits, savor every bite. Because as every Western New Yorker knows, these sweet, fleeting weeks are what make summer truly special

Back to All News