March 18, 2025 The Season of Strawberries

Signs of Spring are evident all around us as the first wildflower buds appear, early Spring trees show off their blooms and the Blue Ridge Mountains get a little greener each day. Spring is a season of growth, and soon, our favorite regional flavors of the season will make their way onto the Inn menus.

We asked Pastry Chef April Franqueza what Spring ingredient she’s most looking forward to this year – that flavor that she can’t wait to bring back to the kitchen!

“The Spring ingredient I’m most looking forward to this year is strawberries! I love eating them on their own when they’re super fresh, because they are so tender and sweet. There are also so many ways to incorporate strawberries in simple desserts. Slicing them and putting them on top of a biscuit with a little whipped cream makes for an easy little strawberry shortcake. Making jam to eat throughout the rest of the year brings you sunshine to fight the Winter blues. I also think fresh strawberry ice cream is one of the best treats of Spring!

North Carolina ranks third in the country for total strawberry production, with many sold directly to consumers by local farmers. Once I can start getting them locally, we will definitely be using strawberries on our menu at High Hampton. I typically start seeing them pop up around mid-Spring, and they continue to be sold through Summer.”

– High Hampton Pastry Chef April Franqueza

Chef April was recently named a 2025 James Beard Awards® Semifinalist in the category of "Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker." We love that her incredible dishes are making an impression at the Inn and beyond! From fresh strawberry cakes to warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls, plan a Spring trip to the Inn so you can enjoy her delicious desserts surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.