When March rolls around, there is nothing better than a bowl full of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or just savoring these sweet gems all on their own, the best berry is only here for a short season and we’ve got 5 reasons you should be making the most of it.

Strawberry Picking is Great Family Fun

Psst. We’re O P E N ! From 10-6pm, wear green to the farm and purchase $25 dollars or more and we will throw in a free jar of delicious jam! Can’t wait to see you for a fun day on the farm 🙌

A post shared by Kenny's Strawberry Farm (@kennysstrawberryfarm) on Mar 18, 2018 at 8:00am PDT

If you haven’t spent a sunny afternoon picking your own strawberries, you’re missing out. Looking for the perfect berry is great fun for all ages. And of course, you get to eat a few while you’re at it.

It’s the Perfect Excuse to Add Strawberries to Any and Everything

With a golden buttery crust and sweet tender center, this Strawberry Skillet Cake is a crowd favorite. (Link in profile) ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #southerncastiron #castironcooking #cookingincastiron #castiron #castironskillet #skilletcake #strawberrycake #strawberryseason #freshstrawberries #skilletcake #weekendbaking #skilletbaking https://buff.ly/2tSHJwN

A post shared by Southern Cast Iron (@southerncastiron) on Mar 18, 2018 at 2:54pm PDT

Strawberry season means it’s time to let your favorite spring dishes come out to play. From skillet cakes to parfaits, there are plenty of ways to infuse your best with this fan favorite fruit.

It’s a Great Time to Get Creative 

Spring Days 🍓 // Happy first day of Spring!! Ahead of going strawberry picking on Sunday, I did some doodling while watching show reruns on Saturday night! Since I didn’t happen to have any masking fluid on hand, I had to do the white space the hard way! But I love how this turned out for our trip to @frobergsfarm! #watercolorartist #strawberryseason #moderncalligraphy

A post shared by Masha Lyons (@mashalyons) on Mar 20, 2018 at 6:10pm PDT

Nothing is more inspiring than a ripe, juicy, gorgeously plump strawberry. Whether you’re putting brush to canvas or baking the day away, we know you’ll have fun with this berry all season long. 

Looking for fresh recipes to use this season? We’ve got 16 Southern favorites just for you!

Strawberries Make Breakfast 100 Percent Better 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgiQqsEH1qK/?tagged=strawberryseason

Breakfast without fresh strawberries? No, thank you! Not this season. 

Strawberries Are Good for You! 

Who else is obsessed with strawberries right now?! Especially #louisianastrawberries ❤We can't keep them in the house! Other than snacking, they go in salads, overnight oats, cheesecakes, and homemade preserves. But I'm looking for some more ideas! Who has a berry recipe they want to share? Nikki at @mississippifireflies shared her pretty hand pie recipe- which I WILL be making later this week! #louisianafarmhouse #thatlacommunity

A post shared by Angel (@louisianafarmhouse) on May 2, 2017 at 10:33am PDT

Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, you can enjoy all the strawberries you crave with no guilt. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the farmers’ market or u-pick patch and load up on these oh-so sweet spring treats.