Strawberry lovers looking for a taste of spring will be able to pick their own new-season strawberries later this month, when a family-owned apple and strawberry farm on the Granite Belt hosts its first PYO strawberries event of the season.
Applethorpe’s Eastern Colour is inviting Queenslanders to pick their own sweet, red strawberries and admire the annual King Blossom on 25 and 26 September.
“Last season’s PYO events were so well-supported and loved by so many people that we just had to bring it back, and we are so excited to bring it back during one of the most beautiful times of the year on any orchard in Stanthorpe,” Eastern Colour’s Nathan Baronio said.
“As a kid, there is such a sense of adventure that comes from wandering through the orchard, ducking between rows and playing hide and seek. We have been spoiled from a young age being able to do this, and we want the community to have the opportunity to experience the farm and the fruit the way that we do.
“Nothing is better than eating strawberries straight from the plant.”
Nathan said strawberry picking had become more popular than ever over the past five years, so he thought it would be an “awesome experience” to offer it during the apple King Blossom.
He said Stanthorpe was the first region in Queensland to start a summer strawberry season, and Eastern Colour’s strawberries had come in early.
There will be no limit to how many strawberries people can pick at the September event, and payment will be per kilogram. Enjoying the apple blossoms will cost just $5 per car.
“It’s the new season and everything looks amazing. The fruit is big, sweet, and delicious. You can fill a tray or a car,” Nathan said.
“Picking your own fruit saves on packaging, freight, and farm costs. We encourage people to come to the country for the day, get a taste for rural life, let the kids stretch their legs and leave with some delicious local produce.”
● Farm open 9am-1pm
● 25 and 26 September
● 244 Aerodrome Road, Applethorpe
● Pickers should register via Eastern Colour’s Facebook page by 5pm, 24 September
