Strawberry Picking to Chocolate Dipping: A Farm-to-Treat Day in Oxnard
Welcome to the Strawberry Capital of California
There is something truly special about waking up in Oxnard on a clear spring morning, knowing that some of the finest strawberries in the entire country are growing just minutes from your doorstep. Ventura County has earned its reputation as a strawberry powerhouse, and driving through our little corner of the 805, you will see field after field of those beautiful red gems stretching toward the Topa Topa Mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
At Jazzy Sweet Treats, we have always believed that the journey from farm to finished treat is just as meaningful as the final bite. That is why we put together this guide for the ultimate Oxnard experience: a full day of strawberry picking followed by an afternoon of chocolate dipping in your own kitchen. Whether you are a longtime local or visiting for the weekend, this farm-to-treat adventure captures everything we love about living and creating here.
Planning Your Strawberry Picking Adventure
Best Time to Go
The strawberry season in Oxnard runs from roughly March through July, with peak picking happening in April, May, and early June. We recommend heading out early in the morning, ideally arriving at the fields by eight or nine. The coastal fog often burns off around mid-morning, leaving you with that gorgeous Southern California sunshine, but the berries will still be cool and firm from the night air. Early birds also get first pick before the crowds arrive, and trust us, those pristine berries at the front of the rows make all the difference.
What to Bring
Pack a small cooler with ice packs to keep your berries fresh on the drive home. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes that you do not mind getting a little dirty, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. The fields can get warm once the sun is up, and you will be bending and reaching for a while. Bring cash just in case, though most farms now accept cards. A reusable bag or basket adds to the charm, but most farms provide containers when you arrive.
Picking Tips from the Locals
When you are out in the fields, take your time and look for berries that are fully red from tip to stem with no white shoulders. The color should be deep and even, and the berry should come away from the plant with a gentle twist. If you have to tug hard, the berry is not ready. Smell is your best friend here too. A ripe Oxnard strawberry has that unmistakable sweet fragrance that hits you before you even get close. If you can smell the berry, you know it is going to taste incredible.
Fill your basket with a variety of sizes. Larger berries are perfect for dipping, while smaller ones work great for snacking, topping desserts, or saving for smoothies later in the week. Aim for about two pounds if you are planning to dip them. This gives you plenty to work with and a few extras for quality control along the way.
From Field to Kitchen: Prepping Your Harvest
Once you get home, resist the urge to wash your berries right away. Instead, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and let them come to room temperature. Sort through your haul and set aside the biggest, most photogenic berries for dipping. Any berries that are a little soft or have minor imperfections can be eaten fresh or sliced into a bowl with a dusting of sugar.
When you are ready to dip, give your selected berries a gentle rinse under cool water and then pat them completely dry. We cannot stress this enough. Moisture and chocolate do not mix. Even a tiny drop of water will cause your chocolate to seize up into a grainy mess. Let your berries air dry on paper towels for at least twenty minutes, giving them a final pat-down before you start dipping.
The Chocolate Dipping Process
Gathering Your Supplies
- 2 pounds of freshly picked strawberries
- 12 ounces of high-quality milk or dark chocolate
- 4 ounces of white chocolate for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- Parchment paper and a baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowls or a double boiler
Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate
Place your chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each one. The coconut oil helps create that beautiful glossy finish and satisfying snap when the chocolate sets. Be patient and keep the heat low. Burnt chocolate tastes bitter and cannot be rescued. You want a smooth, fluid consistency that coats the back of a spoon evenly. For more detailed techniques, our guide to classic chocolate-covered strawberries walks you through the process step by step.
Step 2: Dip with Confidence
Hold each strawberry by the green cap and dip it into the chocolate about three-quarters of the way up. Let the excess drip back into the bowl for a few seconds, then give the berry a gentle twist to catch any final drips. Place it on your parchment-lined baking sheet with the cap facing up. Work steadily so the chocolate stays at the right consistency. If it starts to thicken, a quick ten-second blast in the microwave will bring it back.
Step 3: Add Your Personal Touch
Once all your berries are dipped, melt your white chocolate using the same method. Drizzle it over the milk chocolate coating in zigzags, stripes, or artistic swirls. This is where you can get creative. At Jazzy Sweet Treats, we love adding crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, chopped pistachios, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that sweet and salty contrast. For a summer twist, try our s'mores chocolate strawberries which are perfect for beach days. Our chocolate drizzle techniques guide shows you how to master professional-looking patterns.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Slide your baking sheet into the refrigerator for fifteen to twenty minutes. The chocolate should be firm to the touch but still have that gorgeous shine. Do not leave them in too long or condensation will form and dull the finish. Once set, your farm-to-treat strawberries are ready to enjoy immediately or pack into a gift box for someone special.
Making It a Full Oxnard Day
Turn your strawberry adventure into a full day in the 805. After picking, grab breakfast tacos at one of the local spots along Saviers Road or swing by the Oxnard Certified Farmers Market if it happens to be a Thursday. After your chocolate dipping session at home, pack up some of your creations and head to the beach. Hollywood Beach, Silverstrand, and Mandalay Bay are all perfect spots to enjoy your handiwork while watching the sunset paint the Channel Islands in shades of pink and gold.
There is something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly where your food came from and transforming it into something beautiful with your own hands. That connection between the land, the farmer, and the finished treat is what farm-to-table eating is all about, and here in Oxnard, we get to experience it with one of nature's most perfect fruits.
Let Jazzy Sweet Treats Handle the Dipping
Of course, if you would rather spend your day picking berries and relaxing at the beach without the kitchen cleanup, Jazzy Sweet Treats is always here to help. We source our strawberries from the same local fields you will be visiting, and every batch is dipped fresh with the same love and attention you would give your own. Stop by our shop, place a custom order, or simply reach out to say hello. We are always happy to chat about strawberries, chocolate, and everything sweet here in the 805.
Whether you go the DIY route or let us do the dipping, we hope this guide inspires you to get out there and experience the magic of Oxnard strawberry season. There is nothing quite like biting into a chocolate-covered berry that was growing in a field just hours before. That is the farm-to-treat difference, and once you taste it, you will never go back.
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