Strawberries
FACTS
• There are over 32 named species of strawberry plants.

• The Garden strawberry is the most common type of strawberry grown commercially.

• The US strawberry industry is over $1.2 billion dollars annually, and strawberry festivals are very popular.

• The United States is the top strawberry producing country in the world, followed by Spain.

• The typical modern strawberry is a hybrid from both North and South America.

• The strawberry was considered poisonous in Argentina until the mid-1800's.

• 1 cup of strawberries is a dieter’s delight at only 55 calories.

• Strawberries are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and are low fat.

• Eighteen (18) strawberries have a similar calorie count to a single coated peanut candy. They're fat free and pack a wallop of nutitional value.

COOKING & HANDLING TIPS
• 2 c. of strawberries, crushed will yield about 1 c. of purée.

• Berries picked at full maturity and consumed or frozen within a couple of days will not only taste better, but will also be more nutritious.

• Give your strawberries TLC and save their delicate flavor and precious vitamin C.

• Refrigerate fresh berries in shallow containers as soon as you pick them.

• Wash berries in cold water only when you are ready to use them. Do not allow berries to soak.

• Berries stored with stems stay firm and retain their vitamin C longer than those without stems.

• Remove hulls and spread on absorbent towel until dry.

• Fresh berries taste best at room temperature.

• Sweetness varies by variety and growing conditions.

• It is always a good idea to taste one berry from a lot before you process the others. This allows you to adjust the amount of sugar according to the tartness and your individual taste (a somewhat tart berry usually holds flavor better through the freezing process.) Honey may be substituted for sugar (see freezing tips.)

STORAGE TIPS
• Sort and remove any bruised or damaged berries as soon as possible and use in sauces, purées or jams. Careful storing and handling will maintain their maximum flavour, colour and texture.

• Basic freezing: Berries may be sliced or mashed and packed 6 parts berries to 1 part sugar.
• Tray Pack: Spread a single layer of fruit on trays, freeze, and remove, package and return to the freezer. Strawberries can be frozen and safely kept for up to 1 year
• No Sugar: Simply pack berries in container and freeze.
• Sugar Pack: Put berries into container, add desired amount of sweetener and freeze.
• Syrup Pack: Whole berries can be packed into a container and covered with a mixture of equal parts sugar and water. Freeze.
• Honey may be substituted for sugar when freezing berries: To substitute, use 1/2 the amount of sugar a recipe calls for. For example, if a recipe calls for 1/2 C sugar for each pint, use 1/4 C honey.
• To Thaw: Frozen berries retain better shape with slow defrosting in the refrigerator--never thaw by placing under running water or in the microwave.