The summer is upon us and strawberry picking is now underway at two local farms. Elwood Orchards, located at 54 Elwood Road, and Sunnycrest Farm, located at 59 High Range Rd., in Londonderry, N.H., offer acre upon acre of pick-your-own strawberries.

What could be better than plump, juicy, fresh-from-the-field, locally grown strawberries? Combine with whipped cream and shortcake for a delicious strawberry shortcake desert. Slice and top pancakes, French toast, or waffles for a refreshing brunch. Mix with your favorite fruits for the best-you’ve-ever tasted fruit salad. Blend with ice cream, yogurt, or milk for a tasty smoothie. The possibilities are endless.

As a fun and family-friendly activity, strawberry picking can be enjoyed by all ages. Children can spend time in the rows of strawberries, snacking as they fill their containers. Parents and grandparents can enjoy spending time with their children while doing something they know benefits them both. And strawberry picking is not the only thing you’ll find at the farms!

At Sunnycrest Farm, take the little ones to the animals at the farm. Home to goats, sheep, and an occasional pig, Sunnycrest offers a chance to pet and feed their friendly creatures. Both farms offer stands featuring produce like freshly picked tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, rhubarb, and more. Locally made honey, maple syrup, cookies, and cider donuts are also available!

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C, folic acid and fiber. As little as eight strawberries provide 160% of

the Vitamin C needed for a entire day. They are also very low in fat and calories. And picking fresh from the farm not only supports personal health, but economical health, too.

Visiting area farms and purchasing local produce supports the farms as well as the families and communities that surround them. When purchasing local produce, the money goes directly to the farm, which can then continue to harvest, plant, and maintain their crops for future generations. The surrounding businesses also benefit when tourists and out-of-town visitors spend time at their establishments.

Elwood is open daily for both strawberry picking and at their farm stand from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunnycrest Farm is open from 7 AM until 12 noon daily for strawberry picking; their farm stand is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

To learn more about the farms or get directions, visit: www.VisitLondonderry.com

About the author: Jacklynn Woodruff is the Office Manager at the Londonderry Commerce and Visitors Center (CVC). The CVC strives to promote Londonderry and the surrounding region by promoting agricultural activities, local businesses, and community organizations and events. To learn more, visit www.visitlondonderry.com, Follow us @LondonderryCVC on Twitter or call the CVC at 603-432-4800.