'A strawberry hunting we will go.'

Our colder spring in Ontario has finally headed for the hills so the strawberry hunters who were chomping at the bit can finally have a taste of summer. Yes, crack open your huller strawberry season has finally arrived.

The only fruit with its seeds on the outside these ripe, juicy, gifts from the Food Gods kick off berry season with a big delicious bang. An excellent source of Vitamin C and a good source of folate feel free to eat your fill of this member of the rose family.

Once picked strawberries don't continue to ripen so choosing the perfect basket is key. Take a good look and pick shiny dark red berries with fresh bright green tops.

When it comes to flavour size doesn't matter in the berry world. Big or small the flavour has more to do with the variety, weather, and the degree of ripeness when picked.

Once you get those gorgeous babies home the best thing to do is eat them that day. Wash them well with the caps on just before serving time, pat dry, hull (chef-speak for removing the green cap) and then add to your favourite recipe or eat as is. At 50 calories a cup/250 mL they're a bargain in decadence, especially when dipped in chocolate, but darn those extra calories. Oh well a little indulgence once and awhile is good for the soul.

If you have to wait a day or two before your strawberry feast, spread them out on a plate in a single layer and cover. Place in the fridge. They can be stored for up to 2 days depending on how ripe they were when you got them home. Or freeze them. Wash, drain, pat dry, hull, and place on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Place in freezer. When they're frozen, remove from the tray, place the individual berries in a freezer bag, and seal. They'll keep frozen for up to 6 months.

Ever been to a good old down home strawberry festival? Check out the following:

Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario June 30-July 5, 2009

Beamsville, Ontario June 20th

Or visitors to Saancich, BC check out the 43rd annual Strawberry Festival on July 5, 2009

For recipes using strawberries check out Foodland Ontario: