Savour the Season

It's finally strawberry season, and right now is the best time to add these juicy delights to your home delivery order. At Spray-Free Farmacy, we offer a range of organic and spray-free produce, including strawberries, so you can enjoy the delicious taste of nature without worrying about harmful pesticides.

Timing is Everything

Did you know that it can take up to 30 weeks for strawberries to grow from when they’re first planted? That’s up to seven months for those juicy little fruits to flower and ripen.  And that whole time, their growth is subject to weather and environmental factors.

Here in Queensland, it’s typical to expect to see local strawberries available as early as May (and usually right through until October).  This year, a late start to the season has meant that we’re now able to offer local spray-free strawberries for delivery from this week.

But why should you buy spray-free strawberries?

The Dirty Dozen

There’s much to love about the humble strawberry, but it’s position on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list is not one of them; topping the list every year since 2016!  You can read about the Dirty Dozen at our blog post here.

Conventionally grown strawberries are the most heavily sprayed of all fruits and vegetables. 

That's why we encourage you to choose organic or spray-free strawberries whenever possible.

• Organic and spray-free strawberries are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, ensuring that you and your family can indulge in nature's sweetness without ingesting potentially harmful chemicals. 

• Organic and spray-free farming practices prioritise the health of the ecosystem. By supporting these methods, you contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, soil quality, and water resources. 

• Many people find that organic or spray-free strawberries have a more pronounced flavour and delightful texture; you'll enjoy the true essence of these luscious berries.

Make the Most of It!

To make the most of your spray-free strawberries, and to enjoy their freshness for longer, here are some handy tips: 

• Don't Wash Right Away: Avoid washing your strawberries until you're ready to consume them. Washing them before storage can lead to moisture buildup, causing them to spoil faster. 

• Remove Damaged Berries: Inspect your strawberries and remove any that are bruised, mushy, or showing signs of damage. Damaged berries can spoil the others more quickly. 

• Store in the Fridge: As soon as your strawberries arrive, store them in the refrigerator to help maintain their freshness. A cool temperature slows down the ripening process and extends their shelf life. 

• Keep Them Dry: Excess moisture can make strawberries go bad faster. Store them in a container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and maintain their freshness. 

• Handle with Care: Strawberries are delicate fruits, so handle them gently to prevent bruising. Rough handling can accelerate the deterioration of the berries. 

• Enjoy Promptly: Strawberries are best enjoyed within a few days of receiving them. Their flavour and texture are at their peak during this time, so savour them as soon as possible.

We’re berry excited to have spray-free strawberries available for you to add to your order this week, and we’d love to see how your family enjoys them.  Share your recipes and images with us via our social channels @sprayfreefarmacy.