It's National Pick Strawberries Day

Photo taken at Ferlito's stand in Oswego County two years ago

It's National Pick Strawberries Day.

I guess this day was actually selected for states much farther south of New York, because berries don't come into season here until about the third week of June.

But anyway, the National Calendar Day website states today, May 20, is National Pick Strawberries Day.

It is the day to celebrate this sweet and tasty fruit that is great for all sorts of uses -- including eating fresh.

According to the website, here are some tips about strawberries:

• Strawberries are members of the rose family
• Strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside
• Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C
• Strawberries are low-fat, low in calories and a good source of fiber, folic acid and potassium
• Strawberries help can help fight bad cholesterol and may reduce inflammation
• The first strawberries were grown in France in the late 18th century. Prior to the 18th century, wild strawberries were collected and commonly used as a fruit source.

So remember to get out to many of the local fields next month and pick some fresh, locally grown strawberries.