Hey there, fellow berry lovers and Snohomish County food adventurers! Did you catch that quirky little fact we shared in our May newsletter? It still blows our minds here at Swans Trail Farms, nestled just a scenic half-hour drive north of the Seattle bustle. Seriously, think about this: each tiny "seed" clinging to the outside of a strawberry is actually its own individual fruit! Weird, right?

Forget the strawberry knowledge you thought you had! That wonderfully bumpy surface isn't just for looks; it's a mosaic of miniature fruits, each cradling its own precious seed. It truly makes you savor every single juicy bite, doesn't it? It kind of makes you appreciate the complexity of something that tastes so simple and sweet!

And speaking of those bites, get ready for a season absolutely bursting with the sweet taste of sunshine right here on our farm! Growing the most unbelievably delicious, vine-ripened strawberries in Snohomish is our passion, and we've got a delightful family of varieties just waiting for you to discover.

Meet Our Stars: A Taste of Swans Trail Farms

(NEW this year!) The Beloved Tillamook Strawberry: Oh, the Tillamook! These guys are like the dependable classics in our strawberry patch. You'll recognize them by their good size, that classic vibrant red color, and a really nice balance of sweet and a little bit tart. For many of us around here, these are the quintessential Washington strawberries, the kind you remember from childhood. They're fantastic for just grabbing a handful (go for it!), slicing into your favorite pies and tarts, or making a simple strawberry shortcake. It's a true taste of the Pacific Northwest!

The Intensely Sweet Shuksan Strawberry: Got a serious sweet tooth? Then you've gotta try the Shuksan! These mid-season berries are like little gems, packed with a rich, sugary flavor that's hard to resist. Because they're so sweet and aromatic, they're perfect for making amazing jams and preserves that let you enjoy that summer taste all year long. Seriously, experiencing the pure sweetness of Shuksan strawberries near Seattle is something any berry fan should do!

The Aromatic and Flavorful Hood Strawberry: Ah, the Hood – a real local favorite! These mid-season darlings are known for their really nice flavor, almost a bit fragrant, and a texture that practically melts in your mouth. Their bright red color and lovely smell make them a top pick for eating fresh – maybe with a little whipped cream? – and for making delicious treats that really show off their unique taste. You definitely don't want to miss the special taste of Hood strawberries in Snohomish County – they're a real treat!

The Early-Bird Sweet Sunrise Strawberry: Just like the name says, these cheerful early-season strawberries bring a welcome sweetness to the start of our harvest. We like them because they have a consistent flavor and a good size, making them a great addition to your morning yogurt or cereal, a perfect healthy snack straight from the field, or the star of an early summer fruit salad. Start your summer off right with the bright and sweet taste of Sweet Sunrise strawberries, just a short and pretty drive from Seattle.

More Than Just a Sweet Treat: The Amazing Goodness Inside

Beyond how interesting they are and how great they taste, our fresh berries are also little powerhouses of good stuff! It's pretty cool knowing that something so yummy is also so good for you:

  • Vitamin C: Our strawberries are loaded with this important antioxidant, which is great for your immune system, helps your body make collagen for healthy skin, and protects your cells. Just a handful gives you a good amount of what you need each day. 
  • Manganese: This mineral plays a big role in keeping your bones strong, helping your body's metabolism, and acting as another helpful antioxidant. The Mayo Clinic has more info on why manganese is important.
  • Fiber: Strawberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which is key for healthy digestion, helps keep your blood sugar steady, and helps you feel full. 
  • Antioxidants: Besides vitamin C, our vibrant red berries are packed with other helpful antioxidants like anthocyanins (that give them their beautiful color), ellagic acid, and quercetin. These compounds help fight inflammation and protect against different chronic diseases. You can learn more about antioxidants from sources like Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
  • Low in Calories: Enjoy our sweet treats without any guilt! Strawberries are naturally low in calories, making them a fantastic and healthy addition to any way of eating.

So, the next time you bite into a juicy strawberry from Swans Trail Farms, take a second to appreciate the journey from our fields to your table, the cool science behind it, and all the good stuff packed inside each little "fruit."

Plan Your Berry Picking Adventure in Snohomish!

We are so excited to welcome you to Swans Trail Farms for another fantastic strawberry season, opening in early to mid-June. Whether you're a big fan of the classic Tillamook, love the intense sweetness of the Shuksan, enjoy the unique flavor of the Hood, or can't wait for the early sweetness of the Sweet Sunrise, we've got the perfect fresh, local strawberries for you and your family.

Keep an eye on our website and our social media pages for the latest updates on when you can come pick your own and when our Country Store is open. We're just a short and pretty drive from Seattle, making us a great spot for a fun family day out where you can connect with nature and taste the very best Snohomish County strawberries.

Make the most of your U-Pick adventure, here are a few helpful tips for bringing home the sweetest harvest:

  • Timing is Key: For the best flavor and easiest picking, aim to come in the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't at its peak. The berries are often at their ripest then, and it's more comfortable for you too!
  • Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Layers are always a good idea as the weather can change. Don't forget a hat to protect yourself from the sun!
  • Look for All Red: The ripest and sweetest strawberries are fully red, all the way to the stem. Avoid berries with green or white tips.
  • Handle with Care: Gently grasp the stem just above the berry and twist or pinch it off. Be careful not to bruise the fruit.
  • Don't Overfill Your Containers: While it's tempting to fill them to the brim, overpacking can crush the berries at the bottom. We offer flat cardboard "trays" to your berries won't get crushed.  
  • Explore the Rows: Sometimes the best berries are a little deeper into the rows. Take your time and explore! And make sure to lift the leaves!
  • Bring a Cooler: To keep your freshly picked berries in the best condition for the drive home, especially on warmer days, consider bringing a cooler with ice packs.
  • Bring Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially on warmer days. 
  • Check Our Updates: Before heading out, always check our website or social media for the latest field conditions and availability.

Come experience the simple joy of picking your own berries near Seattle and taste the amazing difference that truly fresh, locally grown fruit makes. We can't wait to see you in the fields!

Swans Trail Farms: Your family's spot for the freshest and most delicious strawberries in Snohomish, WA!

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