Strawberry Season at Storehouse Farm: The Ultimate Guide to Baking and Preserving Fresh PEI Strawberries!

Ah, strawberry season! The thought of ripe strawberries being gathered into baskets at the renowned Storehouse Farm in Prince Edward Island excites food lovers everywhere. It's like a berry bonanza—who knew fruit could throw such a fabulous party? If you have the opportunity to visit during this bountiful season, you'll quickly discover that these juicy berries are not only wonderfully fresh but also the highlight of many delightful recipes. In this post, we will explore how to create the best shortcake biscuits (that are so good, they might just make your other biscuits jealous), irresistible strawberry preserves (perfect for spreading on toast or just eating straight from the jar like a true berry connoisseur), and a traditional strawberry pie (which, let’s be honest, is just a fancy way of saying “I’m having dessert for dinner”). Additionally, we’ll delve into what makes fresh PEI strawberries unique (spoiler alert: they’re not just pretty faces) and which varieties will elevate your culinary experiences. Let’s dive in!

Working with Fresh PEI Strawberries

The strawberries at Storehouse Farm stand out for their vibrant flavour and incomparable sweetness. Thanks to the island's unique climate, these berries are known for their juiciness and aroma. Whether you plan to bake or preserve, they make an excellent choice for your recipes.

When selecting strawberries, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose Ripe Ones: Aim for berries that are a deep red colour and feel plump. These are at the peak of ripeness, providing maximum flavour. Ripe strawberries can contain up to 10% more sugar than those that are underripe.

  
  

• Handle With Care: Strawberries are delicate fruits. When picking or storing, handle them gently to prevent bruising. A small bruise can lead to faster spoilage.

  
  

• Washing: Always rinse strawberries just before use. Washing them too early can cause them to become mushy and spoil faster.

  
  

Among the most sought-after varieties at Storehouse Farm, you will find Kent, known for its firm texture and sweetness, and AC Valley Sunset which vibrantly shines in flavor, making it perfect for preserves.

---

After picking, it’s time to transform these strawberries into something delicious!

Recipe: The Best Shortcake Biscuit

Nothing says “strawberry season” quite like a classic shortcake dessert. Here’s a simple recipe to create light, flaky shortcake biscuits that pair perfectly with fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   
   

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

   
   

3. Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

   
   

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.

   
   

5. Form the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together, then pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.

   
   

6. Cut Biscuits: Use a round cutter to cut out biscuits. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   
   

7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

   
   

After baking, allow the biscuits to cool slightly before topping them with your prepared strawberries.

Freshly baked shortcake biscuits cooling on a rack.

Recipe: Strawberry Preserve

Preserving your strawberries is a fantastic way to enjoy their flavour all year long. This simple strawberry preserve recipe is both easy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup water

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a large bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.

   
   

2. Cook the Mixture: Pour the strawberries into a large pot along with lemon juice and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

   
   

3. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. A well-cooked preserve should coat the back of a spoon.

   
   

4. Jar It Up: Pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and let them cool to room temperature before storing them in the fridge. When stored properly, these preserves can last up to a year in the freezer.

   
   

This delicious preserve is perfect for spreading on freshly baked biscuits or topping yogurt for a delightful breakfast!

Homemade strawberry preserves in a glass jar on a rustic table.

Recipe: Strawberry Pie

What better way to celebrate strawberry season than with a homemade strawberry pie? This dessert is not only delicious but also a visually stunning centrepiece.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  
  

For the Crust:

• Pre-made pie crust (or your favourite homemade recipe)

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: If using a pre-made pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish and pre-bake as directed.

   
   

2. Make the Filling: In a saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.

   
   

3. Add Strawberries: Remove from heat. Stir in strawberries, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until incorporated.

   
   

4. Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, allowing it to cool and set.

   
   

5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. Garnish with whipped cream if desired. This pie is best enjoyed soon after it's made but can last in the fridge for up to two days.

   
   

This delightful pie is a great addition to any gathering, a treat the whole family will love.

Delicious homemade strawberry pie ready to be served.

Celebrating Strawberry Season

Strawberry season at Storehouse Farm is a wonderful time for anyone who enjoys baking or preserving. With some care and enthusiasm, these gorgeous PEI strawberries can be transformed into delightful dishes that impress family and friends alike. Whether you indulge in the lightness of shortcake biscuits, savour the sweetness of strawberry preserves, or feast on a classic strawberry pie, there is no wrong way to celebrate this beloved fruit.

So visit Storehouse Farm this July (2025), pick some ripe strawberries, and start creating lasting culinary memories. Happy cooking!