If you're searching for the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, here's an idea that might grow on you: Pick strawberries at a South Florida farm and make a sensuous gift.
Think about it: They're red, heart-shaped and practically scream "Be Mine!"
What could be more personal than hand-selecting big, juicy berries, dipping them in silky, rich chocolate and presenting them to your sweetheart? Or how about preparing a romantic meal using ripe, delicious berries?
With the Florida strawberry season peaking right around Valentine's Day, there's plenty of pickins in South Florida.
Spend a delightful, sunny afternoon outdoors with the family harvesting fruit at a U-pick strawberry farm. The season runs through April. Call first to confirm availability.
After the harvest, toss the sweet berries in salads, make a bubbling strawberry cobbler or hand dip them in chocolate with winning recipes from a contest sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and "Taste of the South" magazine.
Broward County
Natural Wonders Nursery is a five-acre, hydroponic U-pick offering strawberries, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, spinach and other veggies. Sadly, it's the only place to pick in Broward County.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
5461 Johnson Road, Coconut Creek; 954-840-8703; NaturalWondersLandscaping.com
Palm Beach County
Bedner's Farm Fresh Market and U-Pick is an 80-acre, family-owned sustainable farm in Boynton Beach growing most everything offered in the clean, bright market. Out back, just past the trucks and tractors, pluck five varieties of strawberries and vine-ripe tomatoes right from the field or cut yourself a cheerful bouquet of orange and yellow sunflowers. On Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, take a tractor ride around the fields and enjoy homemade ice cream and hot-off-the-grill barbecue, too. This is a great place for kids to kick up their heels. Call to check on U-pick availability.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The fields are closed on Tuesdays.
12033 State Road 7, Boynton Beach; 561-733-5490; Bedners.com.
Harvest Time Market is an organic, three-acre hydroponic U-pick farm, garden center and farmer's market featuring fresh produce, fruit juices and milkshakes and a bakery offering homemade pies, cookies and breads. On the weekend, enjoy barbecue right off grill.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
4361 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, 561-641-6199; HarvestTimeMarket.com
