MARYVILLE, Tenn. — You won't have to wait long to head to Rutherford's Farm — strawberry picking season begins Saturday, April 20, and there's plenty to go around.
Steve Rutherford, the owner of the farm, said he was surprised by the huge harvest of strawberries so early in the season. They picked over 100 gallons in the days prior to opening.
And for that, we can thank the recent heat, because strawberries thrive in warmth. Temperatures ranging from the 70s to the low 80s can quickly ripen the perfect strawberry.
"It's a wonderful thing. I have literally seen strawberries ripen overnight," Rutherford said.
Cooler temperatures over the weekend of April 20 may slow down the fruit's production, but there's plenty of time to take your pick. Strawberry season usually lasts through early June.
It's not just strawberries. Rutherford said the farm's spring bestsellers are his broccoli and beets.
When people arrive at the farm, they can simply grab a bucket and get to picking. Be sure to grab berries that are a deep red — if there are any other colors, they are not fully ripe yet. The redder the berry, the sweeter the juice.