National Pick Your Own Strawberries Day

May 20th is National Pick Your Own Strawberries Day. Although the strawberry crop may be waning in the Deep South, they're at their peak in many parts of the country. However, some won't be ready until June. Of course, it all depends on what the weather has been like, and that varies from year to year.

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and have many health benefits. For more information about strawberries and their benefits, see my May 6 blog. By picking them in the fields, you'll get a better price, fresher berries, and more exercise. I love them on cereal, in yogurt, by themselves, and as strawberry shortcake. Home canned strawberry preserves is special too. Here's my recipe:

Strawberry Preserves

Wash, hull, and dice strawberries, so you have 3 & 3/4 cups. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon of margarine (to prevent foaming) and 7 cups sugar. Bring to a boil that cannot be stirred down. Add 1 3-ounce pouch of liquid pectin. Continue a hard boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Ladle into clean jars. Add lids that has been kept in slow boiling water. Tighten rings. Process in a hot water bath for 10 - 15 minutes. Boiling water should entirely cover the jars. Remove and allow to cool to seal.

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