Growing up in Georgia, my hometown was filled with farms. One of my favorites, Southern Belle Farm, always had self-pick fruit fields available. Depending on the season, my family would pick peaches, raspberries, blackberries, etc. Some of my fondest childhood memories are driving to the farm on a hot, Summer day to pick fruit (Strawberries in particular being a family favorite). Moving to Germany, I obviously had to scout out the best places to pick my own fruit. This season, we’re focusing on strawberries!
When is Strawberry Season in Germany?
Generally, strawberry season begins early to mid-May in Germany. Our first year abroad, the season started in April due to good weather! This year, strawberry season began a bit later.
You can always tell when the season is approaching as numerous red shacks will begin popping up along the roads. Those tiny shacks are my beacon of hope for strawberry season!
Where to Pick Strawberries
Our favorite strawberry farm in Germany is Pauls Bauernhof. You may recognize the name from German super markets where they carry Pauls Bauernhof alcoholic beverages, jam and other delights.
Click here for directions to their self-pick locations:
Check their website before venturing out. The fields periodically close and reopen to allow for new fruit to grow. We will not be updating this blog with what is open/closed as it changes daily.
What to Wear
After years of strawberry picking, there is one thing that I know for a fact: Strawberry fields are ITCHY! Think about it, you’re walking through a field. You’re bound to have leaves brushing your legs, bugs occasionally smacking you in the face, you know… all that farm stuff.
The best way to combat the possibility of itchy legs is to wear long pants! I know we all want to look cute and dress up for pictures, but if you want to be comfortable picking strawberries, I recommend pants.
Don’t wear anything you would hate to get stained. Strawberry picking can get messy, especially if you go with children. I always avoid white or light colored clothing. Trust me, I’ve had to retire one too many t-shirts that got covered in strawberry juice. Save yourself the hassle.
If it has rained in the past week, wear hiking boots! I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Sam, I’m going strawberry picking! I’m not hiking a mountain!” Ever walked half a mile in super slippy, wet mud? Trust me, you’ll want hiking boots after you fall face first into the mud. I’ve seen it happen and I would prefer to remain a spectator, not a participant.
Regardless of the weather, avoid open toe shoes. I’ve picked strawberries in flip flops plenty of times, but I’ve always ended up stubbing my toe or bit by an ant. Your toes will also be covered in dirt or dust that makes you look like a hobbit from Lord of the Rings. Sneakers are the way to go in my opinion, but it’s up to you!
German weather can also be a bit unpredictable. This year, for example, we’ve had many Spring and Summer showers. I recommend checking a weather app before you head out to the farm. Many farms will continue to allow strawberry picking even if it has rained that day. We’ve picked strawberries while it was drizzling with no issues at all. Honestly, it is kind of nice because the crowds dwindle down at the first sign of rain.
How to Pay
Regardless if you are purchasing a basket or bringing your own, you must stop by the red stand to have your basket weighed before picking. This allows for the staff to subtract your basket’s weight from your total weight after you finish picking (that way you are not also paying for the weight of your basket).
We chose to purchase a basket from the farm. You can do this at the same stand where the baskets are weighed.
Basket price: 1 Euro (Yes, you get to keep it)
Is there an admission cost? No. Admission to the field is free.
How do I pay for my strawberries? After you have filled your container, bring it to the stand to be weighed. You will pay for your strawberries by weight. Price per Kg will be listed on the stand. For an idea on cost, our entire basket was just under 9 Euros.
Finding the Perfect Strawberries
How do you hunt down the best strawberries? Head to the back of the fields! You’ll notice once you arrive that people tend to congregate around the front and middle of the fruit fields. Head towards the back rows and start looking about mid way. Usually these areas have not been picked over as much.
Look in the middle of the bush! Many of the strawberries you see hanging in the open will have soft spots, are not ripe yet or are covered in dirt. We usually find the biggest strawberries hidden in the middle.
Look for strawberries without any green or white. You want juicy, red strawberries. If you pick strawberries with white, green or a lighter orangey color… let’s just say they will taste like a supermarket strawberry. Hard, tart and not that great.
Can My Dog Come?
No, absolutely not. Germany’s food laws do not allow dogs, including service animals, to enter fruit fields. This is upheld at all fruit farms across Germany (You will see the same rules apply for apple picking in the Fall at Appel Happel: Click here to read the blog). Some farms will allow dogs on walking paths, in outdoor seating areas or in the parking lot. The actual fruit fields, however, are off limits to dogs.
Clean Your Berries
Make sure to clean your fruit when you get home. The easiest method is using two large bowls. Fill your first bowl with cold water and white vinegar (or fruit cleaner). Agitate the fruit in the water for about 30 seconds to a minute. This will help get the dirt off. After the fruit looks nice and clean, transfer some of the fruit to your second large bowl. Rinse and agitate the strawberries in this bowl with cold water. Pour the water out and repeat this step until your water is clean. Do this for all your fruit then leave them out to dry.
Tip: Don’t let your strawberries soak for too long or they will go soggy. I’ve done this by accident and ended up with mushy strawberries.
Don’t Want to Pick Your Own?
Stop by one of their fruit stands! You will see them all over Germany. Some are shaped like giant strawberries and some are just little red buildings. They are often located along busy roads. Just pull over and hop out to purchase! It is a bit cheaper to pick your own, but the fruit stands are a convenient option if you are in a pinch.
Find locations on the Pauls Bauernhof website.
Have questions? Leave them in the comments down below!
Related Blog Posts:
The Best Apple Orchard in Mainz, Germany
Your Ultimate Guide to Picking Tulips in Germany
5 Reasons to Visit Maislabyrinth Wallau This Fall – Wiesbaden
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Comments (2)
Maricela
May 24, 2021 at 6:58 pm
Thanks for all the great tips!! Do you know when the strawberry season ends?
admin
May 24, 2021 at 8:47 pm
It depends on the year! Last year we went picking all through June and one of the farms was still open in July. This year, there are less open due to the weather. I would say through June this year, but I doubt it will be open in July. Hope that helps!
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