Every year, the TradeMark Nitrogen team looks forward to one of our favorite seasonal traditions—celebrating Florida strawberry season with a well-earned treat from our local favorites. This year, the honor went to Berry Barn (3931 State Road 60, Dover, FL), edging out our longtime standby, Parkesdale Farm Market (3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL). As always, the reward was simple and perfect: strawberry shakes or strawberry shortcake shared with the team as a thank-you for their hard work and collaboration.

Florida is famous for its winter strawberry season, which typically runs from late November through April, with peak harvest in February and March. What made this year especially memorable was the colder-than-normal weather across much of Florida. Those cool nights—without hard freezes—help concentrate sugars in the fruit, and the result has been some of the best-tasting strawberries in recent memory. Ask anyone who’s had a shake lately… the flavor absolutely shows.

Strawberries thrive in Florida’s unique winter climate. Growers plant in September, with harvesting beginning about 90 to 110 days later, depending on variety and weather. The Plant City area alone accounts for roughly 14,000 acres of strawberries, making it the heart of winter strawberry production in the U.S. While much of the country is dealing with snow and frozen ground, Florida fields are producing fresh, local fruit at its absolute peak.

Our annual stop at the Berry Barn is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a reminder of the value of teamwork, local agriculture, and taking a moment to enjoy the results of hard work. Just like this year’s crop, when the conditions are right and everyone does their part, the results speak for themselves—and sometimes, they taste even better. 🍓