Sun-Kissed Strawberries: Kicking Off Harvest Season in Thuringia
Strawberries successfully picked in Thuringia's first harvesting season - Strawberries harvested for the first time in Thuringia region
Get ready for a scrumptious treat, 'cause it's that time of year again! The sun-drenched strawberries are ripe and ready to be picked in Thuringia, and the growing season has kicked off in style. While the weather's been sunny with cooler temperatures, it's the sweet taste of those juicy berries that's really stealing the show.
Thuringia might not be the strawberry superstar of Germany, but the Free State still accounts for about 1% of Germany's strawberry harvest area. Last year, over 673 tons of these tasty treats were picked by local producers. Seventeen farming operations dedicate approximately 141 hectares of their land to strawberry production, with about half of that being brand-new plantings that won't yield strawberries this year.
Geesee town, located in the Sömmerda district, has been traditionally known as the strawberry capital, where the season officially starts. But, before the grand opening, Agriculture State Secretary Marcus Malsch warned of the challenges faced by farmers. With increased production costs, fierce competition within Europe, and higher minimum wages, it's not easy picking strawberries by hand. To combat these issues, farmers are increasing production methods, extending the supply period, and cultivating strawberries under foil.
Over the years, the strawberry production area in Germany has shrunk. In Thuringia, the yield of outdoor strawberries has dropped a whopping 62% since 2015. Although production has been stepped up in protected cultivation, this hasn't made up for the overall decline.
One of the biggest strawberry producers in Thuringia is the Erdbeerhof Geesee, which plants strawberries outdoors and under foil tunnels. For this year's harvest, approximately 90 full-time workers will get their hands sweet and sticky. The fresh berries will be sold through supermarkets, sales stands, and farm shops.
The Thuringian government is aiming to lighten the agricultural load. By introducing measures such as the bureaucracy hotline, the voluntary nature of the land register, and the pact for growth and jobs, they hope to give farmers some much-needed relief from administrative burdens and free up resources for cost savings and investments.
Now, keep in mind that there isn't too much information available on the 2023 strawberry season in Sömmerda. Typically, the strawberry season in Germany begins in late spring, around April or May, depending on the weather. If you're after local insights or specific events related to strawberry cultivation in Sömmerda, you might want to check out local agricultural reports or reach out to local farming communities in the area for a taste of the action. TikTok videos like the ones mentioned might give you a peek into the local food culture, but they don't specifically address the strawberry season in Sömmerda. Enjoy your strawberry journey!
- Strawberry Season
- Thuringia
- Geesee
- Sömmerda
- Strawberry Farming
The following are to be added to the list of products for the upcoming season: lifestyle, food-and-drink (specifically sun-kissed strawberries from Thuringia's harvest). As for places to explore the production of these delicious treats, consider visiting Geesee, a town traditionally known as the strawberry capital, located within Sömmerda's district.
