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A Season of Sweetness

The Story of Florida Strawberries at H&A Farms

There’s just something about strawberries that feels like pure joy—bright, sweet, and full of sunshine in every bite. To celebrate National Strawberry Month this May, we wanted to go beyond the fruit itself and spend some time with the people who grow it.

We recently highlighted H&A Farms in our farmer spotlight, and now we’re excited to share a closer look at their season, their work, and the care behind every harvest from our interview with Amanda Hanson, Director of Marketing for H&A Farms.

 

Q: What makes growing strawberries in Florida unique compared to other places?

Amanda H: Here in Central Florida, we’re lucky to have a climate that lets us do something pretty special. While much of the country is bundled up for winter, our fields are filled with ripe, red strawberries ready to be picked. Florida’s mild winters create ideal growing conditions at a time when strawberries aren’t being produced in most other parts of the U.S. That timing allows us to bring fresh, flavorful berries to families close to home—whether through our commercial harvest or by welcoming visitors out for U-Pick.

Q: What does a typical day look like on the farm during strawberry season?

Amanda H: Strawberry season brings a whole new rhythm to the farm. Blueberries may be our main crop, but strawberries help bridge the gap between seasons and keep everything moving. Mornings start early—sometimes with harvesting, other times with walking the fields and checking on crop quality. No two days are exactly alike, and this past season especially kept us adapting. That’s the nature of farming—we stay flexible, put in the work, and show up each day for both the crop and the people who depend on it.

 

Q: What does your farm enjoy most about growing strawberries and being part of Florida’s farming community?

Amanda H: For us, it’s about being part of something bigger than just our own operation. Florida’s farming community is built on a shared commitment to growing food, caring for the land, and supporting one another.

That support matters even more during difficult seasons. Whether it’s a freeze like we experienced this year or hurricanes in the past, farmers come together, exchange knowledge, and help each other push forward. Through it all, we’re able to keep doing what we love—growing fresh, local berries and sharing them with others. Being part of a community that uplifts one another and celebrates each harvest makes the work even more rewarding.

Q: What does it mean to your farm to know the strawberries grown there are helping feed families in communities across Florida?

Amanda H: At the end of the day, that’s what drives everything we do—making sure families have access to fresh, locally grown food. Whether our strawberries are heading to store shelves or being picked right here on the farm, there’s a sense of purpose in knowing where they’ll end up. We especially love seeing families come out for U-Pick, experiencing firsthand where their food comes from. That connection from field to table is something we’re proud to be part of.

 

Q: How does the team at your farm like to enjoy fresh strawberries when they’re in season?

Amanda H: It’s hard to beat eating them right out of the field—sun-warmed and perfectly sweet. That’s still a favorite for many of us. Beyond that, we like to get creative. Strawberry shortcake is always a classic, along with chocolate-dipped berries and adding strawberries to just about anything we can. When they’re in season, they tend to find their way into nearly every meal—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our conversation made one thing clear—strawberries are about more than just flavor. They represent the care that goes into growing them, the hands that harvest them, and the families who gather around to enjoy them. That connection is what makes farms like H&A Farms such an important part of communities across Florida.

Inspired by how the team at H&A Farms enjoys strawberries at their peak, our Nutrition Education team approved this fresh, family-friendly recipe that highlights the versatility of strawberries beyond dessert.

Strawberry Basil Chicken

If you’re inspired to bring more strawberries into your own kitchen, you can explore additional recipes and ideas from our friends at Fresh From Florida here.

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