Strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry cupcakes, strawberry cobbler, strawberry ice cream, strawberries and cream…
I could go on, but I’m getting hungry.
It’s officially strawberry season and the red fruit is being celebrated at Thursday’s Strawberry Day at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find free samples and desserts made with strawberries, and plenty of fresh, locally grown strawberries available for purchase, along with recipes, serving tips and nutritional information.
In addition, a total of $225 in prize money will be up for grabs in the Strawberry Dessert Contest, sponsored by the N.C. Strawberry Association. Cooks can bring their entries to the market office from 8 -10 a.m. before judging begins at 10 a.m. Of course, each recipe must contain at least two cups of North Carolina strawberries. First place earns $100, second place receives $75 and third place earns $50. For contest rules and information, call Kevin Hardison at (919) 733-7136, ext. 234 or Monica Wood at (919) 733-7417 or e-mail at monica.wood@ncagr.gov.
If you’re not in the Raleigh area, special events and festivals are also planned across the state:
- May 3 – N.C. Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- May 8 – Strawberry Day at the Charlotte Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- May 15 – Strawberry Day at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.