Crimson red and candy-sweet, locally grown strawberries are the dazzling opening number to Washington’s abundant produce season. Many folks wait all year for these highly prized regional delights, reserving their cherished jelly and ice cream recipes for the short but oh-so-sweet season.
The growing titan behind it all? Spooner Farms.
“I love watching visitors’ faces light up and their eyes grow wide as saucers when they try one of our strawberries for the first time,” laughs fifth-generation farmer Sam Spooner. “We have people calling the farm non-stop asking when strawberries are on. I love hearing the excitement and passion in their voices.”
We sat down in the field with Sam to discover how the farm has earned such a devoted following to their strawberries and what it takes to deliver outstanding flavor year after year. (And yes, we may have snuck a fresh-picked bite or two.)
Growing Strawberries
Peak season: Late May through mid to late June—just a few fleeting weeks
Strawberry crops require patience—they typically take 2–3 years to produce fruit. Sam grows a mix of varieties to extend the season as long as possible. The Sweet Sunrise variety arrives first in May, followed by Puget Crimson in June. When you picture an ultra-ripe local strawberry, it’s probably a prized Puget Crimson, which comprises 90% of Spooner Farms’ harvest.
Strawberries thrive in cooler temperatures—June gloom is basically their time to shine. 70 degrees with occasional showers is the sweet spot.
The biggest challenge with growing strawberries is finding rich, viable ground. Strawberries love loamy soil at higher elevations where their roots are less likely to become waterlogged.
“They’re a massive investment with plenty of risk, so we really need to get the crop placement right,” says Sam. He uses drones and mapping software to scout out the best spots on the farm season after season.
Harvesting Strawberries
Sam’s team is up before the rooster crows—at 5:30 a.m. they’re in the fields loading pallets full of juicy red gems. The fresh-picked strawberries reach stores within a couple of hours of harvesting, just in time for your morning grocery store run.
“It’s really special to be able to enjoy fresh produce that was grown less than 30 miles from where you live,” says Sam. “By supporting local agriculture, you’re cutting your carbon footprint and creating a positive daisy chain effect in your local economy.”
The Key to Spooner’s Success
Sam attributes Spooner Farms’ strawberry legacy to honoring tradition, refusing to compromise flavor for longer shelf life, and harvesting only when the berries are perfectly ripe.
“I don’t want to grow something I’m not excited to eat. Our customers deserve exceptional tasting berries, and we don’t settle for anything less.”
Ripeness Indicators
The darker the berry, the sweeter the juice. Truly exceptional local strawberries develop a deep mahogany-red hue rather than the bright cherry red of their conventional counterparts. So reach for the deepest colors you can find!
When you taste a peak-season strawberry, expect a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and juicy, sticky-sweet flavor. “Biting into one of our strawberries is seriously bliss,” Sam shares.
Short Shelf Life: 24–36 hours
Local strawberries have a much higher sugar and moisture content than year-round varieties, so it's crucial to eat them as soon as possible. After just 24 hours, Sam suggests freezing your berries or making jam.
“Due to the super short strawberry season and shelf life, it takes a team of devoted people—like the produce team at Metropolitan Market—to support our business year after year,” says Sam.
Ripe Recipes
Sam believes fresh strawberries are hard to beat, best dusted with Tajin for a tangy-spicy kick. If your berries have turned overripe, Sam suggests making preserves or freeze-drying them for cereal toppings.
Here are a handful of our favorite strawberry recipes to showcase our region’s sweetness.
Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream
A summertime classic that never goes out of style, homemade strawberry ice cream will always outperform a store-bought pint. Flavor-bomb strawberries take this luscious, fresh-churned ice cream over the top. So creamy. So spoonable. So dang good.
Strawberry Frosé (Frozen Batch Cocktail)
It is officially “rosé all day” season (the sun makes the rules here)! Whip up a frosty batch cocktail for your summer festivities with just a bottle of rosé, sugar, strawberries, and a blender. This coral-colored sipper is all we need for some well-earned R&R.
Balsamic-Macerated Strawberries
Balsamic’s tangy richness pairs harmoniously with sweet strawberries—we suggest using our authentic Italian balsamic vinegar for pristine results. This versatile topping tastes delicious with vanilla ice cream, olive oil cake, or your favorite yogurt. Simple and sophisticated!
Savor Berry Bliss
Don’t miss out on strawberry season! Skip the checkout lines and order online to have summer’s sweetest berries delivered right to your door.