Louisiana Strawberries
As south Louisiana defrosts from a particularly icy winter, farmers scramble to make sure their crops survived the cold. Thankfully, the LSU AgCenter reports that the weather only delayed spring favorites — Louisiana strawberries — setting back the harvest by a month or so. They should still hit their peak by late March and into April, but expect a lull in availability when you typically expect them at the market. Die-hard Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival fans need not worry: Fest organizers set this year's dates for the weekend of April 9. In the meantime, cozy up with the last of the winter vegetables. Local collards, turnips and mustards are everywhere. 'Tis the season, too; look for organic king cakes at Slidell's Camellia City Market at Griffith Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
