What does the weather have to do with it?

At Philly Foodworks, one of the most exciting moments each year is the arrival of luscious strawberries! But what truly determines a magnificent strawberry season? Unfortunately, a significant factor lies in the whims of the weather—a force that is simply beyond the skillful hands of our dedicated farmers.

As we reflect on past strawberry seasons, we might recall that some years, the strawberries burst with sweetness and juiciness, while other seasons might yield berries that are still ripe and juicy but somehow fall short in flavor. It’s important to emphasize that even a local strawberry that may lack vibrancy in taste is infinitely superior to those underripe varieties picked prematurely and shipped hundreds or thousands of miles to the grocery stores. The beauty of local strawberries is their ripeness and freshness, a treat that truly benefits our palates!

Now, you may wonder, what exactly affects that delightful flavor we all crave? Several factors come into play, but primarily, it revolves around the delicate balance of temperature and sunlight. Strawberries thrive when they receive a gentle mix of rain followed by warm sunshine. The right amount of sun and heat is essential, as it helps them develop the sweet flavors we cherish, transforming them from merely juicy to irresistibly delicious. This phenomenon is not unique to strawberries; it applies to a variety of locally grown produce.

Consider melons, for example! These vibrant fruits flourish under the warm embrace of summer heat and sunshine, which encourages and nourishes their sweet flavors, making them a summer delight. That’s why we often associate melons with the warm, sunny months in our region.

Blueberries also thrive on sunny, heat filled days, and even a bit of dry weather, allowing their complex flavors to blossom. Isn’t it fascinating that when you savor a handful of blueberries, you can experience a symphony of sweetness, tartness, and earthiness all at once? However, enjoying them one at a time offers a completely different experience—not quite as fulfilling!

The opposite holds true for fall greens and brassicas; a gentle frost can actually enhance their sweetness. This change encourages the plants to convert stored starches into sugar, creating a distinctive, delightful flavor. It’s fascinating to think that a light, shimmering frost on Tuscan Kale not only decorates the field but transforms the landscape into a canvas of culinary potential!

Speaking of frost, did you know that peach trees must endure a hard freeze to yield that sweet, succulent fruit we all love in the following season? This dormancy period is essential for the trees where the temperature is below a certain degree for a specified time, allowing them to rest and gather energy for the next growing cycle. Should they miss out on this crucial freeze, they may struggle to bear fruit, and what they do produce may lack quality. On the flip side, if a frost arrives post-bloom, the delicate flowers could perish, halting any hope of fruit production.

Yet, while farmers do their utmost to navigate these challenges—whether through irrigation, shade cloths, or row covers—much still relies on the unpredictable nature of the weather.

So, what can we take away from this? Our dedicated farmers work tirelessly to sow seeds, cultivate seedlings, prepare the fields, nurture the land, and lovingly tend to each crop. However, in the end, we must acknowledge that some elements of vegetable and fruit-growing will always remain in the hands of Mother Nature.