My June-bearing strawberry patch was flooded in June. Can I harvest the berries?

Question:

My June-bearing strawberry patch was flooded in June. Can I harvest the berries?

Answer:

Berry fruits, such as strawberries, are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination.  Silt and other contaminants may become imbedded in the fleshy fruit and are difficult to remove.  Since the berries were present when the garden was flooded, do not harvest and eat any of the fruit.  Renovate the strawberry patch in early July.  Next year’s crop should be safe to eat.