Where to Go Strawberry Picking in Syracuse (and 7 Picking Tips)

Updated June 6th, 2023

Want to go strawberry picking in Syracuse? You’ve got options. Many farms in Syracuse have opened their fields to the public for berry picking: from Onondaga Hill to Baldwinsville. (See the map of u-pick fields and get directions at the bottom of this article.)

Right now, local fields in the Syracuse area are brimming with ruby red strawberries. According to local growers, the season’s start was a challenging one because of the late freeze in May, the lack of rain, and the cooler weather during the week of the Quebec fires. However, the berries are delightfully sweet and bursting with flavor this year!

Not in the mood to go berry picking? No worries. Every U-Pick operation also offers pre-picked berries for purchase. You can also find local strawberries for sale in farm stores and even some grocery stores throughout Onondaga County. For example, the Silver Spring Farm Market on Seneca Turnpike in Onondaga Hill carries fresh strawberries from local growers.

When Does Strawberry Season Start in CNY?

Strawberry season usually starts the second week of June and can vary from field to field depending on how impacted each crop was by frosts and freezes. According to Vincent Sicignano, owner of Navarino Orchard:

“This year’s strawberry crop looks great. We’ve been out in the heat working hard: weeding and watering, to bring everyone the best possible berries.”

While Navarino Orchard is known for u-pick apples, there are rows and rows of strawberry plants loaded with berries right now. Located just south of Syracuse, Navarino Orchard is nestled in the rolling hills of apple country on Cherry Valley Turnpike. Navarino grows 3 varieties of strawberries: Earliglow, Wendy, and Jewel.

Smaller is Better, Plus the #1 Secret to Picking Strawberries

Sue Smith of Tre-G Farms shared her strawberry secrets, too (note: Tre-G no longer offers U-Pick strawberries…the farm is now solely focused on their dairy business). Sue explained some common misconceptions about strawberries. When the farm offered strawberries, she would often overhear customers wonder why the strawberries are smaller than those in the grocery stores.

“Size isn’t a good indicator of flavor or quality. The sweeter varieties typically produce a smaller berry. The larger varieties from California are grown for a longer shelf life and a firmer skin to resist bruising on that long journey. Taste is a secondary consideration for largescale California growers,” explained Sue.

Sue’s best tip for strawberry picking?

“For maximum sweetness, look for berries that are fully red – with little or no white color. Once you pick a strawberry, the flavor will not change. The color may deepen, but if you pick a not-quite-ripe berry, the flavor will be too tart.”

Hurry! Strawberry Season is Short But Sweet

Everyone always asks: when is strawberry picking season in Syracuse? While it varies from year to year, strawberry season typically runs from early- to mid-June to early July.

If you miss out on strawberry picking in Syracuse, no worries. Raspberry and blueberry season begins in early- to mid-July. Navarino Orchard offers 6 varieties of pick-your-own raspberries. In addition to the July crop, there’s a fall variety of raspberry that can be picked up until the first frost.

7 Strawberry Picking Tips from Reeves Farm

Across town in Baldwinsville, the strawberry picking fields of Reeves Farm are also bursting with berries. You can pick your own strawberries. Or, grab a few pints at the roadside farm stand.

The Reeves Farm team shared their best tips for strawberry picking in Syracuse.

1. Tops for Freshness

When picking strawberries in Syracuse or anywhere for that matter, leave the green tops on. This will keep them fresher longer and prevent the berries from losing juice when you wash them.

2. Wait to Wash

Don’t wash strawberries until right before you use them (and use cold water). They’ll last longer and taste better!

3. Keep Your Cool

Ripe berries should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few days.

4. A Little Dirt Doesn’t Hurt

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

5. Get Sun Smart

Wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring lots of water. There is rarely any shade in U-pick fields!

6. Drive Carefully

Drive carefully. If you are driving in a field, watch out for irrigation pipes or rough spots in field. Stay on the main drive so you don’t run over crops.

7. Dog Days of Summer

Leave your pets at home. Due to food safety regulations, pets are not allowed in the fields.

Simple Strawberry Syrup Recipe, Compliments of Reeves Farm

Max Freeman, the Business and Market Development Intern at Reeves Farm, shared his go-to strawberry syrup recipe. Max is a student at LeMoyne College, studying Business Management. But he also has a background in culinary arts. He swears by this truly “simple” simple syrup. He suggests adding the syrup to lemonade or milk. Or, drizzle it over desserts and pastries.

Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 cups strawberries (halved)

Instructions
Combine sugar and water on high heat until dissolved. Add strawberries and boil at high temp for about 10 minutes so the berry pulp can break down. Reduce heat to medium low and cook down to desired liking. Strain mixture, let it cool, then store in the fridge.