Produce Briefs...
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Cantaloupe Melon
The cantaloupe is defined by two elements: its roughly netted stone and green colored skin and its aromatic orange-coral colored flesh. When perfectly ripe, the flesh is juicy, unctuous and sweet.
Growers
Seasons/Availability
In the United States strawberries are at the peak of their season April through June.
Current Facts
Today the United States is the leading producer of strawberries. California produces nearly three-fourths of the United States' supplies, followed by Florida.
Description/Taste
Varying in size and shape, this fruit turns a bright red to crimson when fully ripe. Strawberries are commonly heart-shaped and the speckling of seeds on their exterior makes them unique among other berries. Strawberries are sold with their green tops still attached.
Nutritional Value
Strawberries provide a generous amount of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber and are being recognized in the medical world as a "super fruit" because of their high antioxidant level and ability to help prevent cancer and heart disease. One cup of strawberries contain about 45 calories and are cholesterol and saturated fat-free.
Applications
Strawberries are versatile because of their sugar content and acidity. Blend fresh berries with water, and herbed simple syrup for agua fresca. Cook sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until the consistency of jam, then jar and use as a spread. Blend into smoothies, milkshakes, or ice cream. Blend with basil and freeze for a unique sorbet. Puree, spread in a thin layer and dehydrate for homemade fruit leather. Combine with rhubarb in any number of sweet applications. Add sliced strawberries to green salads with fava beans and grated pecorino cheese. Puree strawberries with tomatoes, garlic and basil for a fresh gazpacho. Dip whole berries in chocolate. Use in savory preparations as well as sweet. Strawberries keep best when stored in the refrigerator and eaten within two to three days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
It is believed that strawberries are named as such because when they were first picked in the wild they would be put into baskets lined with a bed of straw in order to protect the delicate berries during transportation.
Geography/History
Strawberries have been prized since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Throughout Europe they were seen as a symbol of affluence and perfection, a delicacy that was enjoyed on special occasions or by those in prestigious positions. Strawberries were often grown in royal gardens and images of them can be seen on crests signifying prosperity. In the past strawberries were not only for eating but were also used to treat digestive issues, to smooth and brighten the skin and were also believed to be an aphrodisiac. When European settlers arrived in North America they found strawberries were one of the crops the Native Americans were successfully harvesting and by the mid 1800’s commercial strawberry production would begin.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Strawberries. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Aviara Farms Inc. | Homepage |
| Colorful Harvest Inc. | Homepage |
Seasons/Availability
In the United States strawberries are at the peak of their season April through June.
Current Facts
Today the United States is the leading producer of strawberries. California produces nearly three-fourths of the United States' supplies, followed by Florida.
Description/Taste
Varying in size and shape, this fruit turns a bright red to crimson when fully ripe. Strawberries are commonly heart-shaped and the speckling of seeds on their exterior makes them unique among other berries. Strawberries are sold with their green tops still attached.
Nutritional Value
Strawberries provide a generous amount of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber and are being recognized in the medical world as a "super fruit" because of their high antioxidant level and ability to help prevent cancer and heart disease. One cup of strawberries contain about 45 calories and are cholesterol and saturated fat-free.
Applications
Strawberries are versatile because of their sugar content and acidity. Blend fresh berries with water, and herbed simple syrup for agua fresca. Cook sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until the consistency of jam, then jar and use as a spread. Blend into smoothies, milkshakes, or ice cream. Blend with basil and freeze for a unique sorbet. Puree, spread in a thin layer and dehydrate for homemade fruit leather. Combine with rhubarb in any number of sweet applications. Add sliced strawberries to green salads with fava beans and grated pecorino cheese. Puree strawberries with tomatoes, garlic and basil for a fresh gazpacho. Dip whole berries in chocolate. Use in savory preparations as well as sweet. Strawberries keep best when stored in the refrigerator and eaten within two to three days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
It is believed that strawberries are named as such because when they were first picked in the wild they would be put into baskets lined with a bed of straw in order to protect the delicate berries during transportation.
Geography/History
Strawberries have been prized since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Throughout Europe they were seen as a symbol of affluence and perfection, a delicacy that was enjoyed on special occasions or by those in prestigious positions. Strawberries were often grown in royal gardens and images of them can be seen on crests signifying prosperity. In the past strawberries were not only for eating but were also used to treat digestive issues, to smooth and brighten the skin and were also believed to be an aphrodisiac. When European settlers arrived in North America they found strawberries were one of the crops the Native Americans were successfully harvesting and by the mid 1800’s commercial strawberry production would begin.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| California State University San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-750-4765 |
| Anthology | San Diego CA | 619-595-0300 |
| Noble Experiment | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| The Spot | San Diego CA | 858-459-0800 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Inn at the Park | San Diego CA | 619-296-0057 |
| Tractor Room | San Diego CA | 619-543-1007 |
| Craft and Commerce Bar | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Jimmy Love's | San Diego CA | 619-595-0123 |
| Azul La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-454-9677 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Strawberries. One
is easiest, three is harder.
