Strawberries

The strawberry, a member of the rose family, has grown wild in Europe and the Americas for hundreds of years. Although ancient Romans valued the fruit for its therapeutic, medicinal qualities, it was not domesticated until the eighteenth century.

Wild strawberries grow on foggy coastal cliffs and shady forest floors. The cultivated strawberry, as it is known today, was the result of a chance cross between a wild Virginia species and a Chilean species.

Source: Kids Cook Farm-Fresh Food, California Department of Education

Contents

Fun FactsFace of a FarmerSeasonNutritionStatisticsHelpful Links

Driscoll's Berries

Driscoll's takes their berries seriously! More...

Tanaka Farms

The Tanaka family grows sweet, fresh strawberries in the heart of a bustling Orange County, California. More...

Season

Stawberries are grown almost year-round in California.

Ripeness

Strawberries generally do not ripen after picking. Look for symmetrically shaped berries that have a nice sheen and brilliant, even color. Berry tips should not be too seedy and the "shoulders" should not be white. Look for strawberries that are clean and dry with fresh unwilted caps (calyx).

Storage

Always refrigerate berries immediately. Don‘t wash your berries until you are ready to use them.

Temperatures between 34°F and 38°F are ideal. For best results, store your strawberries in the original clear clamshell container you purchased them in.

Gently rinse berries with the green caps (calyx) still on, under cool water. After washing, remove green caps. For best flavor, allow strawberries to reach room temperature before serving. Under ideal conditions, strawberries should keep for 2 - 5 days in your refrigerator. For best results, consume your berries as soon after purchase as possible.

Source: Driscoll‘s Strawberries

Strawberries are high in vitamin C and folate and are a good source of fiber.