Good Ground: The Sweetest Season

GOOD GROUND

The Sweetest Season

Strawberry Stands of the Central Valley

Words by Lifestyle Staff

As spring arrives, roadside strawberry stands begin popping up across the Central Valley, offering baskets of sunripened berries bursting with flavor. These stands aren’t just a seasonal delight—they’re a symbol of the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the perfect way to enjoy one of California’s most iconic crops at its freshest.

A Brief History of Strawberry Farming

Strawberries have been grown in California since the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the industry truly took off. Farmers discovered that California’s mild climate allowed for an extended growing season, and innovation in farming techniques led to higher yields and better-quality fruit. Today, California remains the nation’s leading strawberry producer, supplying the majority of fresh strawberries in the U.S.

Today, California strawberries are grown year-round, but spring and early summer remain the peak season. Many of the farms behind the berries sold at local stands have been family-owned for generations, continuing a legacy of dedication and hard work.

Why Strawberries Thrive Here

The Central Valley’s combination of rich soil, warm days, and cool nights creates ideal conditions for growing sweet, juicy strawberries. Farmers use careful irrigation and crop rotation techniques to maintain soil health and maximize flavor. California also leads the way in sustainable strawberry farming, with many growers reducing pesticide use and implementing water-saving practices.

Thanks to these efforts, strawberries grown in this region are known for their exceptional taste and quality—whether you’re enjoying them fresh, blended into a smoothie, or baked into a homemade dessert.

Where to Find Fresh Strawberries

Here are just a few of our favorite must-visit local stands:

• Shirk x Hurley, Visalia

• Akers x Ferguson, Visalia

• Ben Maddox x Tulare, Visalia

• Demaree x Ave 264, Tulare

• Cairns Corner Produce, Lindsey

Whether you’re picking up a basket for snacking or making a batch of homemade jam, these locally grown strawberries are a delicious reminder of the Central Valley’s deep agricultural roots. Next time you see a stand, stop by and taste a little piece of California history!

For more info: californiastrawberries.com

FROM THE EXPERT

Vanessa Mendoza

V Mendoza Berry Farms

For over 20 years, Vanessa Mendoza has been selling farmfresh strawberries at the Visalia Farmers Market. They run two separate ranches—one for organic strawberries and one for conventional—carefully tending each to bring the best berries to market. She recommends washing berries in a vinegar-water rinse to keep them fresh longer and freezing them flat before bagging for easy use later. Catch them at the market to pick up the sweetest berries of the season!