Nothing tastes as sweet as fresh berries right from the vine, and New Jersey is lucky to have a number of farms that feature the red heart-shaped fruits growing in local fields during late May and early June.

In Morris County find Alstede Farms, a family owned and operated enterprise located at 84 Route 513, Chester. During pick-your-own strawberry season, the plump fruit is easily spotted since the best rows are marked with flags. Start at their store, and borrow a wagon to cart your berries from the field, or perhaps forgo the picking part to select strawberries ready for purchase from their market stand. The Alstede Farms Strawberry Harvest Festival Days take place on the second and third weekends of June, and includes fresh strawberry pies, and their yummy homemade strawberry ice-cream. (908) 879-7189.

Travel next to Mercer County and stop at Terhune Orchards, one of Central New Jersey’s most popular strawberry farms at 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. Owners Pam and Gary Mount have dedicated two acres of their 200-acre farm to cultivating two strawberry varieties. The Farm Store features delicious homemade strawberry bakery items; events include the Read and Pick program where children listen to a farm story before parents escort them to the orchard for strawberry picking. (609) 924-2310.

Burlington County is home to Johnson’s Corner Farm, established at 133 Church Road, Medford, since 1953. Long a family affair, the farm is manned by 13 members of the Bill and Bette Johnson clan. With strawberries being the first harvest of the year, the farm gears a number of activities around the prized fruit including hayrides to the picking fields, and a lively Strawberry Festival during the last weekend of May and the second weekend of June; guests can enjoy delectable treats including the Johnson’s award winning pies and cobblers while listening to live music. (609) 654-8643.

Remember that strawberry season is short, sometimes only a few weeks long and often impacted by weather, so call ahead for availability. New Jersey strawberry farms are sure to provide you with high quality fresh fruit, and many fond memories.