I was pleasantly surprised as I walked into the produce department of our local grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner. I was greeted by a beautiful display of fresh strawberries available for purchase. These were not left overs from the previous season that had been put on ice to extend their life. No, they were fresh plump looking berries, a jewel toned color red with vibrant green leaves. No evidence in sight that they had sat on a truck and travelled to my wintery home. None of the normal signs like white fuzzy mold or soggy spots to be seen. As I stood in awe of this produce display I couldn’t recall anything that had ever looked so inviting to me. I even called my husband to announce, “Strawberries are back in season!”

I know your probably thinking this is a little over kill for such an average berry, it’s not like you struck gold. But strawberries are one of my favorite foods. I have loved them for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Southern California, I have memories of traveling down the freeway with my family. Peering out of the car window I could see the expansive fields containing neatly groomed and mounded rows of strawberry plants. Blessed by the sun, the workers moved meticulously up and down the rows, carefully picking berries and piling them into flats for sale. It wasn’t often that we made it home without stopping at one of the local road side stands on the farm to purchase a flat. As a kid I remember begging my parents to stop. I loved this ritual and thinking about it now it brings a smile to my face. The arrival of strawberries on the store shelf is just another reason to add to my list of why I love February.