Top 8 States In The US That Grow The Most Strawberries

Top States In The US That Grow The Most Strawberries

Strawberries are popular in the United States. Every year, billions of strawberries are produced and consumed across the country. Individual consumption of strawberries in the United States has increased over the last two decades (source: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center).

There are many ways to enjoy strawberries, whether you like them as a raw, refreshing snack to boost your health or as a natural way to sweeten up a meal.

What food can we make from strawberries?

Strawberries are nature's candy, small, shiny, red, and, most importantly, wicked sweet, but strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) aren't technically berries. When you bite into something that smells, looks, and tastes like a berry, you're actually eating a more complex plant from the rose family that's native to the Northern Hemisphere.

Strawberries have always been a versatile ingredient. According to the University of Missouri, the Romans thought strawberries were a symbol of Venus, they were used as a medicine for almost every ailment, masons carved strawberry designs into cathedrals and altars, and some nobles in Emperor Napoleon's court even bathed in strawberries.

While strawberries aren't a miracle cure-all, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B9, manganese, potassium, and antioxidants that are good for the heart, according to Healthline. Strawberries have clearly always been revered, and they are now obsessively consumed in the United States.

Where in the US do strawberries grow?

Strawberries are now grown from coast to coast, but the USDA reports that 90% of the 1.34 million tons of strawberries produced in the United States last year came from California (via Statista). This is made even more exciting by the state's commitment to sustainable farming; in fact, California Strawberries claims to produce the most organic strawberries in the world.

Strawberries thrive in California because they prefer full sun and temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which California provides. Still, the United States isn't the only place where strawberries grow (via the University of Florida). Florida also grows strawberries, but unlike California, it has a short growing season. According to Sarasota magazine, Florida's strawberry growing season begins in November and ends in April, but while California grows a whopping 90% of the total strawberry production in the United States, Florida only produces 8%. So, if you buy strawberries at the grocery store in the United States, they're probably from the West Coast, not the East.

Having said that, the United States is only the world's second-largest strawberry producer. According to Atlas Big, the United States grows 1,021,490 tons of strawberries each year, while China grows 3,221,557 tons. Due to massive amounts of fertile land, its long and productive history in farming, and recent reform programs, China is one of the world's agricultural leaders and currently leads the world in the production of cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, and fish (via UN Food & Agriculture Organization).

READ MORE: Top 10 Most Popular Fruits In The World

Top 8 States In The US That Grow The Most Strawberries

1. California

There's a lot more to do in California than go to the beach, walk down Hollywood Boulevard, and drink wine in Napa Valley. Although California has several farmer's markets, including the famous Farmer's Market in Los Angeles, thousands of people flock to Oxnard each year for California's annual Strawberry Festival. The California Strawberry Festival is also one of the most well-known in the country, thanks to its exciting entertainment and limitless strawberry treats.

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2. Florida

In terms of strawberry production, Florida trails only California. However, it serves as a critical backup if weather conditions in California limit the number of berries grown during the season. Florida produces approximately 8% of the strawberries grown in the United States. These are usually grown in the winter, whereas California can grow all year.

Florida's growing season is much shorter than that of California. The Sunshine State has plenty of sun, but also heat and humidity, which makes growing strawberries difficult during the summer months. Peak production months are December through March. Florida-grown strawberries actually outnumber California-grown ones during these months.

3. North Carolina

North Carolina has some fantastic agricultural crops, including delicious strawberries in the late spring and early summer. Berries can be harvested in this region of the United States as early as late April. They typically grow and produce until the end of May or early June. The vast majority of what is grown in North Carolina is sold locally. They also have a lot of you-pick farms where you can get the freshest strawberries. Simply remove them from the plant and enjoy!

Each year, the weather in North Carolina is unpredictable and has a significant impact on the crop. Plants are put in the fields as small plugs, just a few inches tall, in the late fall. Some growers plant them in early spring instead.

4. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, but don't let that fool you into thinking their strawberries aren't just as good! Many people travel to Wisconsin just to pick their own fresh strawberries. Pick Your Own locations can be found in Northern, Western, and Central Wisconsin, as well as the cities of Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Madison.

5. New York

According to the USDA, New York ranks third in strawberry production in the country. Other sources, including Cornell University research, rank them lower on the list. In any case, strawberries are only available in New York during the summer. Berry production is at its peak from May to July. Winters in New York are harsh, making crops like these nearly impossible to grow outside during these months.

Strawberries are one of the first summer crops in this region, giving them special cultural significance. Strawberry picking is a popular activity that marks the start of summer. In New York, the majority of berries are sold locally rather than processed and shipped. This means you'll have to travel to New York.

6. Oregon

Strawberries grown in Oregon are typically grown in home gardens or on small local farms. Although the state does not produce much for commercial purposes, it is still a great place to enjoy these berries in the summer. The majority of varieties are planted in late spring and are ready for harvest in July. A few varieties continue to grow until the end of summer and even into the fall. However, they produce fewer strawberries at a time.

Throughout Oregon, there are various growing zones. For example, coastal Oregon experiences different weather from further inland. This can be a difference in temperature, dates of the last freeze, and precipitation. It’s important to get a variety that is made for the right climate and zone.

7. Oklahoma

Oh, Oklahoma. This Midwest state is a farmland haven, producing some of the best strawberries in the country. In fact, they are so well-known for it that they host an annual Strawberry Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the fresh Oklahoma strawberries. The Stilwell Strawberry Festival attracts approximately 30,000 visitors each year. The festival features live music, a 5K Run for the Berries, a rodeo, a carnival, and, of course, all the strawberries you can eat!

8. Texas

You might be surprised to learn that Texas is an excellent source of fresh strawberries. There are plenty of strawberries in Texas, thanks to all of the farms. Texas, like Wisconsin, has numerous Pick Your Own Farms ranging from the southwest to the northeast. Remember that everything is bigger in Texas, including the strawberries!

Challenges in growing strawberries in the US

If you want to grow strawberries in the United States, you should be aware of the potential production challenges. It's not enough to know where they grow and which states have the best climates for the fruits. While California ranks first in strawberry production, the state also faces production challenges.

The weather can still be challenging, labor and land values can be high, and the state has fumigant restrictions and regulations. Florida also faces production challenges as a result of soil fumigation, volatile prices, rules, Mexican competition, and labor shortages. You should be prepared for some potential disadvantages regardless of your location.

Conclusion

If you want to grow strawberries in the United States, you should be aware of the potential production challenges. It's not enough to know where they grow and which states have the best climates for the fruits. While California ranks first in strawberry production, the state also faces production challenges.

The weather can still be challenging, labor and land values can be high, and the state has fumigant restrictions and regulations. Florida also faces production challenges as a result of soil fumigation, volatile prices, rules, Mexican competition, and labor shortages. You should be prepared for some potential disadvantages regardless of your location.

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