Strawberry

Strawberries are an easy to grow fruit crop that will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years. It is the only fruit to have its seed on the outside.

Good quality Strawberries should be firm (but not rock-hard), evenly shaped and medium to large in size. Their coloring should be even and bright red. Avoid berries that are wrinkled, soft, spotted with mold or leaking juice. Berries with more than a touch of green or white around the caps do not ripen well after they are picked.

In addition to being consumed fresh, strawberries can be frozen, made into preserves as well as dried and used in such things as cereal bars. Strawberries are a popular addition to dairy products, as in strawberry flavored ice cream, milkshakes, sorbets, smoothies and yogurts. Strawberry pie is also popular. Strawberry jams and jellies are an all time favorites. Peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich (PB & J) is a classic combination.

Nutrition Profile

Strawberries are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. They're also a good source of Folate (Folic acid) and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C and Manganese.