Start seeing red: strawberry time is finally here

By Mary Reid Barrow
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 27, 2011

STRAWBERRY SEASON is upon us! You don't have to wait any longer for warm, juicy berries straight from the field.

The Flip Flop Farmer, with his sheltered field on New Bridge Road in Virginia Beach's Pungo, takes the prize for the first strawberries in the area. Flip Flop had pick-your-own Sweet Charleys more than two weeks ago. Call (757) 426-9908.

The berries also are being sold at Henley's Farm Market at Princess Anne and Indian River roads at the Pungo light. Call (757) 426-6869.

Oliver Farms Produce in Smithfield opened for pick-your-own last week. Check www.oliverproduce.com.

Cullipher Farm Market on Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with pick-your-own USDA Certified Organic strawberries and organic lettuce as well as asparagus and patio tomato plants. Visit www.cullipherfarm.com.

Most farms in the area will be open for strawberries by May 1. Keep up with the openings by checking with Good Things to Eat in the Classified section.

Also, later this week, food writer Lorraine Eaton takes a look at the life of a strawberry farmer. Look for more listings with her article.

IN THE COMMISSARY

Military commissaries in the area are getting a nice share of local produce, including strawberries from eastern North Carolina, collards, kale and Hanover greens from Chesapeake, and herbs and bok choy from the Eastern Shore.

MEAT ORDERS

On-farm pick-up day at Full Quiver Farm in Chesapeake is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Friday is the deadline for orders for chicken, beef and pork. Order online at www.fullquiverfarm.com. Full Quiver Farm also has eggs for sale.

LOCAL MARKETS

The Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market on Court Street will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7, and on every Saturday from then until November.

Find asparagus, spring greens and pasture-raised meats at the Williamsburg Farmers Market in Merchants Square, Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Visit www.williamsburgfarmersmarket.com.

GROWING LOCAL

Heritage Natural Market on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach has organic veggie, herb, flower and fruit seedlings for sale.

Mary Reid Barrow, barrow1@cox.net. Follow her blog at hamptonroads.com/maryreidbarrow.

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