Get ready for berries

Max Hagen knows his berries. As owner of Hagen's Berry Farm in Palo, Max has nearly 40 years of strawberry experience, in Iowa's largest "pick your own" strawberry field with 20 acres. Unfortunately, the floods of 2008 wiped out the past two seasons of Hagen's Berry Farm, and will again this year.

In fact, Max said floodwaters and strawberries don't mix and he doubts he would ever go back to the Palo site. He is considering opening another farm in the Cedar Rapids area, but nothing this year.

Last year's strawberry season in Iowa was rather late, but this year the crop is said to be in its prime for picking already this weekend.

Here is more about the strawberry season from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship:

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said fresh, Iowa-grown strawberries are expected to be in their prime for picking this Memorial Day weekend.  Many growers are reporting a plentiful crop this year.

“Sweet and delicious Iowa-grown strawberries are a great start to the summer season and visiting a local ‘You Pick' operation is a great way to enjoy them as a family,” Northey said.  “By shopping Iowa-grown products when they are in season you get the best flavor, prices and nutritional value.”

Strawberries are one of the world's most popular fruits being consumed by 94% of all U.S. households.    They are also a healthy option, serving as a great source of Vitamin C, are low in calories and fat-free. 

Fresh strawberries can be picked as part of a family outing at one of the many “You Pick” operations around the state, or when shopping at your local farmers market.  It is good to call before going to a “You Pick” farm to make sure fields aren't too wet to access the strawberries.

To get the best berries:

• Look for strawberries with their green caps intact
• Strawberries will not continue to ripen after they are picked and are best when eaten within a few days
• The prime strawberry season has begun, so don't delay in contacting a local grower to find if they have fresh strawberries read to be picked.  To find strawberry farms in your area visit www.IowaAgriculture.gov .

Once you have the strawberries home they are versatile enough to be eaten fresh or served in your favorite dessert or salad.  One simple recipe that is great for a Memorial Day gathering is chocolate dipped strawberries.  The recipe follows here:

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

16 oz. milk chocolate chips

2 T shortening

1 lb fresh strawberries with leaves

Directions:  Insert toothpicks in to the tops of strawberries.  In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth.  Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.  Turn the strawberries upside down and insert into Styrofoam cup for the chocolate to cool.

(recipe obtained from allrecipes.com)