After late start, Minn. strawberries looking good

Strawberries
Minnesota-grown strawberries, in a file photo.
MPR Photo/Ambar Espinoza

Minnesota's strawberry season is looking short but sweet.

Cool, wet weather this spring has delayed the growing season across Minnesota. Growers expect the strawberry harvest will start about three weeks later this year. But experts say the strawberry crop is looking good.

Thaddeus McCamant of Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls consults berry growers statewide. McCamant says it's unlikely that many berry farms will open for picking much before June 20.

In central Minnesota, grower Julie Townsend of Dassel Hillside Farm says last year's strawberry harvest began around June 10. But this year she expects berries to ripen toward the end of June and continue into the first two weeks of July.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.