North Carolina Strawberry Facts
North Carolina ranks 4th in the nation in strawberry production. It is a $17.5 million farm crop.
Nutrition Info
*Provides an excellent source of Vitamin C. They have more
than any other food, including oranges.
*Only 60 calories per cup.
*No fat for one cup of strawberries.
*Good source of Vitamin A and fiber.
*Provides a source of Folic Acid and iron.
*Whether fresh, preserved, frozen or prepared in recipes,
strawberries provide a powerhouse of good nutrition.
*Berries eaten with minimal preparation are at their best
within one day of picking.
What should you look for when picking or buying strawberries?
*The first thing is to know they are from North Carolina.
*When selecting berries look for ones that are firm, yet fully
ripe. Size does not matter.
*Strawberries do not continue to ripen after picking.
*They will keep up to one week in the refrigerator, when stored
in a shallow container so they won't bruise and smash each
other.
*Do not remove the caps or wash the berries until you are
ready to use them. Early washing and capping allows the vitamins
to leak out and they loose their moisture.
What can you do with strawberries? (...More than cakes
and pies!)
smoothies
fruit dips and sauces
fruit pizza
salsa
dip them in chocolate
The NC Strawberry Association has information for all ages. It is linked to the NC Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services website. Go to www.ncstrawberry.com or www.ncagr.com
A Slice of Strawberry Trivia
-
Can strawberries grow anywhere in NC?
Yes, all 100 counties and Cherokee. -
What part of the plant are you eating?
The flower! The berry is the center of the flower. -
Have strawberries always been the same throughout history?
Strawberries were accidentally discovered when breeding other plants. -
What is North Carolina's state fruit?
NC does not have a state fruit, but some students from eastern NC are trying to make it the strawberry.
Information provided by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.