Minnesota Strawberries Running Late By 2 Weeks

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The long, cool spring is expected to delay Minnesota's strawberry season by up to two weeks this year.

However, the state Agriculture Department says Minnesota strawberry producers are forecasting a large, healthy crop. Some pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberry farms in southern Minnesota and the metro area expect to open around June 20, with peak picking around the Fourth of July weekend.

The average growing season wraps up near the Fourth of July in the Twin Cities area. Minnesota's berry season progresses from south to north. Farms in northern Minnesota typically trail the Twin Cities harvest between one and two weeks.

Consumers can also expect to see Minnesota raspberries and blueberries ripen later than normal. They typically ripen near the end of the strawberry picking season.

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