Strawberries

Nearly everyone loves strawberries! When April rolls around, you will find the berry stands brimming with this delicious treat. Do you think we love them so much because we can't always have them? Just seeing them brings to mind all the wonderful ways we can eat them. While eating them whole or sliced top the list of preferred methods, pies and shortcakes follow close behind.

Sure they're delicious, but did you know that one serving of strawberries (8 berries) provides more vitamin C than one orange? With only 50 calories and no cholesterol or saturated fat, this wonderful fruit is a good source of folic acid, potassium, and dietary fiber. According to the California Strawberry Commission, California produces 80% of the nation's strawberries. If all the strawberries produced in California this year were laid berry to berry, they'd wrap around the world 15 times. That sounds like a lot, doesn't it? True, but that's only 12 pint-size baskets for each U.S. household! Visit DLM's Produce department today before your fair share disappears! And don't forget to stop by the Bakery for Vera Jane's shortcakes. Delicious with fresh strawberries!

José Manzano, Produce Director tells us, "Starting in mid April, we will carry Driscoll's strawberries from California. These are consistently the best quality of California strawberries grown. We try to stay with that brand as long as the season allows and the weather permits. Sometimes you may notice that the price may be a little more than 'market', but it is worth the difference."

Storage and Handling Tips
To store, don't wash strawberries right away. Store them in a large container with paper towels at the bottom. Separate the berries by layering them between paper towels. This keeps the berries dry. Keep them refrigerated until just before you wish to use them. Leave the green caps on, and wash berries with a gentle spray of cool water. After washing, remove the green caps from the berry with a light twist or with the point of a paring knife. Strawberries are most flavorful when brought to room temperature before eating.

Source: California Strawberry Commission