Strawberries are not only some of the most tasty fruits
available, they contain many health benefits.
While most people eat strawberries for the taste, the plump, sweet and juicy morsels also carry widespread health benefits.
And local residents have entered the annual window of opportunity to enjoy the healthy treats, which are high in fiber and vitamin C and contain only 50 calories per serving.
The local strawberry season runs from about mid-April to July, according to area growers, and since the fruit’s most favorable tastes can be enjoyed only when fresh, this short period each year – for strawberry lovers and growers – is precious.
“We pick, when it’s not raining, pretty much everyday,” said Becky Herbert, with Herbert Family Organic Farms in San Benito County and also the daughter of owner Pat Herbert.
Statewide, the 500-mile strawberry region stretches from San Diego to San Benito County. Farmers in territories along the coast must follow their respective weather patterns and harvest only during specific months of the year. For instance, while the southernmost farmers started in January and will end about June, the local season has just begun and is projected to run until July or August.
The county, however, does not abound with growers, as county Agricultural Commissioner Mark Tognazzini said there are only two or three – including Herbert Family Organic Farms – and about 30 total acres. However, local residents have their pick of the pickin’s from two bustling fruit stands along Highway 25 just across the county line in Santa Clara County.
Uesugi Farms and Berry-licious compete for customers passing on the Bolsa during the strawberry season. Uesugi Farms grows crops at numerous farms along that same stretch of highway and it also owns and operates another stand in Morgan Hill on Monterey Street.
“People love strawberries,” said Jeannie Lopez, office manager at Uesugi. “Since they (strawberries) are only seasonal, they (people) are pretty interested this time of the year.”
And strawberry lovers have a lot to choose from – not just in abundance, but also in the variety of types. There are four major varieties grown in California – aromas, camarosa, diamante and selva.
“It’s not easy to tell the difference (between them), Tognazzini said. “It’s very complicated. They have different characteristics.”
Tognazzini said the sweeter varieties usually carry a shorter shelf life while the blander tasting berries last longer.
California is, overwhelmingly, the leading producer in the nation, accounting for 83 percent of the production or 1.4 billion pounds in the United States in 2001, according to the California Strawberry Commission.
The state crop is valued at $700 million, and the strawberry is the fourth most valuable fruit in the nation, according to the CSC. Also, the state’s industry employs more than 48,000 people.
On the Central Coast region, Watsonville, Salinas and Santa Cruz are major producers. Watsonville and Salinas have about half of the state’s total acreage, and Watsonville, for instance, is home to the nationally renowned Driscoll Strawberry Associates – to which, incidentally, the Herbert Family sells its berries.
Herbert Family Organic Farms is unique in its growing method not only locally, but also nationally, for two reasons. Being organic, the family does not use chemicals on the crops, and it also uses a “special compost recipe” that, according to Herbert, “improves the quality.”
Statewide production of organic strawberries has increased in recent years, according to the CSC. It entails a more expensive method of farming, including use of “chemicals refined from natural sources.”
“We don’t use any chemicals on the strawberries,” Herbert said.
Organically grown or not, strawberries can benefit consumers on several fronts. Many of the nutrients and vitamins in strawberries enhance the immune system, according to several studies, and the fruit also contains several antioxidants.
Also, the advantages of living in the strawberry-rich region don’t end with taste, nutrition or variety. Two major strawberry related festivals take place in the state – the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard and the Strawberry Music Festival in Yosemite.
The Yosemite event takes place twice each year during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and includes more than 30 hours of music. It will include more than 30 hours of music.
Berry Facts
Tale of the Berry
If all the strawberries produced in California last year were laid berry to berry, they would wrap around the world 15 times. That is enough strawberries to provide every U.S. household with 12 pint baskets.
Nutrition
Eight strawberries have more vitamin C than an orange, and they have only 50 calories per serving and no cholesterol or saturated fats.
Berry Lovers Labeled
Respondents to a national survey labeled strawberry lovers as “health conscious, fun loving, intelligent and happy.” Non-strawberry lovers, on the other hand, were described as “weird, boring, stuffy, picky, fussy eaters who avoid healthy foods.”
Storing the Berry
For strawberries to stay fresh, do not wash them right away. Store them in a large container with a dry paper towel at the bottom. Separate the berries by layering them with paper towels to maximize freshness. Just before using, wash strawberries with the caps attached under a gentle spray of cool water. For the best flavor, allow strawberries to reach room temperature before serving.
Varieties
Aromas: Large, firm fruit, with good flavor and a good red color.
Camarosa: Large, bright, firm and flavorful fruit with a good sheen.
Selva: Large firm berry with a long, steady production cycle.
Diamante: Large, flavorful, firm fruit with a bright red sheen.
– California Strawberry Commission
