WSJM June 8, 2005 – Strawberry harvest season

This is Al Gaus the Berrien County Extension Educator for fruit and ornamentals reporting from the MSU Extension office in Berrien County.

Today it is my pleasure to inform you that we are in the harvest season of one of the first fruits of the season to be harvested. It is now strawberry harvest time.

For all of you out there that like strawberries, Berrien County’s strawberry growers are harvesting strawberries. Whether you go to one of Berrien County’s several pick-your-own strawberry patches and pick your own (which by the way, I highly recommend you do) or buy them pre-picked from any of the many local roadside stands, there are several things to remember that will help you select the best ones. Strawberries should have a bright red shiny color not a dull or muddy red color indicating over an overripe berry. It is best to avoid strawberries with green or white color on them because these are not fully ripe and will not ripen any further after harvest. They should be plump and firm with no signs of shriveling. The little green leaves on the top of the strawberry should be fresh, green, and not removed. Strawberries should be refrigerated as soon as possible after picking to extend their shelf life. It is also best to not wash the berries until just before use.

As to the nutrition of strawberries, 8 medium strawberries provide only 45 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and are high in Vitamin C. In fact, 8 strawberries has more Vitamin C than one medium orange. They are sodium free, high in Folate (one of the B vitamins), and cholesterol free.

Again, the next couple of weeks are the best time to get them. Unfortunately, strawberries on the plant do not necessarily like the hot weather of the last few days. It results in a shorter harvest season. So, don’t wait too long or you might miss out on that great experience of eating a Michigan strawberry. I repeat, get out and buy strawberries now and enjoy.

That is all for today, this has been Al Gaus for Michigan State University Extension in Berrien County.