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We represent evolutions most efficient species of hunter-gatherer. While man may not take his rifle into the grocery store to shoot down his next dinner, the need to acquire sustenance remains unchanged since we crawled out of the caves. (Please refer all caveman complaints to Geico).

This essay is poised to tell you how to freeze your favorite summer-time-treat, strawberries, so you can enjoy them long after the first frost has come and gone.

IT'S A GATHERING! You can acquire your strawberries in several different ways. I have listed them in order of preference.

1. Grow your own - (ya, right!)
2. Pick your own
3. Buy at a local farmers market
4. Buy at a commercial grocery store

Growing your own is the first choice. It's cost efficient and it allows you to select your berries at the peak of their sweetness. In addition there is a rewarding sense of fulfillment that many get from growing some of their own food.

Or, how about a crazy Saturday where you load up your buckets, kids and random volunteers, then head out to your local "you-pick" berry farm! In this environment you preserve the ability to select which berries you want and which you don't want. In addition you are supporting local businesses, which turn a far greater percentage of their money back into their community than say, Safeway.

Farmer's markets are all the rage these days and most cities have them. This is probably the best choice for most of my readers. The berries purchased from a farmer's market are assuredly fresher than those shipped in from god-knows-where to your local grocery conglomerate. Again, buying local keeps your local economy healthier. It is also more eco-friendly, as less energy has been used to bring this treat to your table when purchased from a local source.

But, if all else fails there is always the grocery store, super Wal-Mart, or other regional or national chain from where you can acquire your berries.

BE PICKY! When choosing berries for freezing be selective. Pick berries that are free of blemishes and "soft-spots". You want berries that are still firm, but sweet. Sweetness can most reliably be judged by the strawberries color. A rich red berry, that is firm and free of blemishes is the goal.

CLEAN AND PLUCK. Gently wash/rinse your berries, then pluck the green top off the berry. When I was a child my mother had a tool for plucking the berry tops. It looks like a miniature castanet. If you are doing a lot of strawberries, this device is very handy. Do not let your

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