MIDDLEFIELD, Conn. (June 10, 2019) – As the temperature rises, so does the excitement at Lyman Orchards as it prepares to welcome guests for the 2019 Pick Your Own season. Guests can now come out to the farm to pick ripe, delicious native strawberries.  Blooming strawberries are the first sign that summer has arrived, and these fresh fruits are available in a full range of delicious varieties from tart to sweet and small to large.

“Strawberry season is always such an exciting time for us, as it serves as the official beginning for our growing season,” John Lyman III, executive vice president, Lyman Orchards, said. “With more than seven acres of strawberries available for picking, this is truly a great outdoor activity that the whole family will enjoy together. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with each other in a beautiful, all-natural setting.”

Pick Your Own is open daily 8am-5pm, pending weather and crop availability. The Strawberry season typically lasts until late June.

Those interested in picking strawberries, or any of the variety of fruits Lyman Orchards will offer this season, are encouraged to visit the Pick Your Own section of lymanorchards.com. Before beginning your adventure at Lyman Orchards, pickers are advised to call the pick-your-own hotline at 860.467.4209 for the latest information on conditions and picking times.

STRAWBERRY FEST ON JUNE 15th

Lyman Orchards will celebrate the first fruit of the summer at its annual Strawberry Fest on June 15^th. This year's edition of the festival kicks off the summer event season, celebrating family fun, Lyman's fresh grown strawberries, and sweet strawberry treats from the Apple Barrel market. With live music by Middlefield’s Own upcoming country music artists, Presley & Taylor, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, Henna Art, fresh kettle corn and pie eating contests, it’s a fun-filled day on the farm. Enjoy delicious fresh-made strawberry shortcake with store-made biscuits, strawberry muffins and tea breads, our hand-made Strawberry Rhubarb pie and more. It all starts with Lyman’s Breakfast on the Deck, overlooking the scenic pond.

Plus, Hannah Sjostrom, the 2019 American Honey Queen, will visit us for Strawberry Fest. She will talk about the importance of honeybees to Connecticut agriculture and how honeybee pollination directly shapes our livelihood.

Lyman's most popular vendors will also be on hand to sample their products for guests. This list includes Centerville Pie Co., Liuzzi Cheese, Oui Charcuterie, Arethusa Farms, Angry Goat Pepper Co., and GoatBoy Soaps. Of course, Lyman Orchards will be sampling its jams, jellies, salsas, pies and more.

Learn more about Strawberry Fest at www.lymanorchards.com.

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE PERFECT STRAWBERRY

Selecting a Strawberry:

Look for strawberries featuring a vibrant red color and minimal green or white spots. The berries should be plump and have a fresh and clean appearance. The size of the berry is simply a matter of preference and is not an indication of flavor or quality. Following this process is important as strawberries do not continue to ripen after they have been picked.

Storing Strawberries:

Strawberries are delicate and perishable items that require gentle handling to maintain peak quality. Ensure that your berries do not remain in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Store your berries in a cool place and only give them a rinse once you are prepared to eat them. After they have been cleaned, remove the stem and enjoy!

Freezing Strawberries:

Wash the berries and let them fully drain on a paper towel. Once dry, lay them onto a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. After they have been frozen, pack the berries into containers and store them away for future use.

Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit www.lymanorchards.com and should register for the Lyman Orchard’s Newsletter for Pick Your Own alerts.

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About Lyman Orchards
Set on 1,100 acres in Middlefield -- the heart of Connecticut -- Lyman Orchards (est. 1741) is a popular destination for the whole family. Shop at the Apple Barrel market, filled with fresh farm produce and Lyman Orchard’s award-winning "Hi Top" Apple Pie; celebrate special events and weddings at the Lyman Homestead; enjoy seasonal Pick Your Own fruits and tours of the orchard; golf on two world-class public 18-hole courses designed by Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones, and improve your skills at the Lyman Orchards’ Golf Center and Apple Nine Course. For more information, call Lyman Orchards at 860-467-4209, or visit online at www.lymanorchards.com.