Summer is here, and that means it is officially strawberry season. Strawberry shortcake is a widely popular dessert and is celebrated on June 14.

Strawberry shortcake consists of sweet biscuits or cake paired with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The contrast in textures and flavors is why most people adore this dessert.

The oldest strawberry shortcake recipe dates back to 1588 but did not become well-known until the 1600s when William Shakespeare used the name Alice Shortcake in one of his plays. 

Although strawberry shortcake has the word “cake” in its name, it is traditionally supposed to be like a biscuit that is crisp and flaky. The word “short” more accurately describes the dessert, as it refers to the presence of shortening or fat in the dough.

Over time, different versions of strawberry shortcake have emerged, including pound cake and sponge cake variations.

To create a strawberry shortcake, fresh strawberries are first sliced and mixed with sugar. Then, dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt are mixed together with butter, milk, and vanilla extract to create a biscuit dough. Next, the dough is kneaded and cut into circular rounds. The dough is then baked in the oven. After the biscuits become golden brown, they are taken out of the oven and assembled with strawberries and whipped cream.

Ways to celebrate National Strawberry Shortcake Day:

1. Make a strawberry shortcake: no matter which kind of strawberry shortcake you like, all kinds of recipes can be found on the internet 
2. Visit a strawberry farm and experience the joy of picking your own strawberries: PA has a multitude of strawberry farms
3. Enjoy other strawberry-flavored desserts: strawberry jam, strawberry pie, strawberry ice cream, etc.

Places in PA where you can pick your own strawberries:

1. Barefoot Farm
   1. Located in Dover PA, this farm has four acres for you to pick strawberries. They also sell ice cream, sundaes, salads, and sandwiches. In addition to strawberries, they also have blackberries and raspberries available. During fall, they also have pumpkins, gourds, and sunflowers.
2. Orchard Valley Farm
   1. Located in Seven Valleys PA, this family-operated farm has a 98-acre pick-your-own farm. In addition to strawberries, the farm also has apples, peaches, cherries, raspberries, and pumpkins that are available for you to pick. 
3. Bricker’s Strawberries
   1. Located in Carlisle PA, this family-owned farm specializes in pick-your-own strawberries and occasionally sells honey, pie, and shortcake. 
4. Strites Orchard
   1. Located in Harrisburg PA, this farm not only has strawberries to pick but also has many kinds of other fruits and vegetables. They also sell baked goods, honey, dairy products, and soup.
5. Mt Airy Orchards
   1. Located in Dillsburg PA, this orchard has strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers that are able to be picked. They also offer orchard tours for those who are interested.

Each farm has different availability, rules, and prices, so make sure to visit their website or call ahead before you plan your visit.

Take advantage of strawberry season this year by celebrating with a strawberry shortcake!