This month we’re learning about a berry sweet fruit: the strawberry!

Strawberries grow on small green plants that produce light pink to deep red berries. The plants have “runners” or stems that run horizontally, that sprout new, smaller plants from the main plant, resembling a vine. Wild strawberries grow all over North America, and there are four main types that are grown commercially. These varieties include “June-bearing,” which have a very short season of about 3 weeks; “everbearing,” which produce berries consistently throughout spring, summer, and even into fall; “day-neutral,” which are very similar to everbearing but rely more on a cool to warm temperature range to consistently produce berries; and lastly, the “alpine” variety, which are much smaller, sweeter, and very easy to grow. 

Did you know that strawberries are in the same plant family as roses? They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen our immune system and protects our skin, gums, and bones. The fiber from eating strawberries is heart-healthy and helps with digestion. Strawberries can be purchased in many different forms; fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried. Fresh strawberries do not ripen after they are picked, so choose berries that are a vibrant shade of red with a firm texture. The caps, or the tops of the strawberries should appear fresh and dark green with no dried or wilted leaves. Avoid berries that are moldy, soft, or dull in color. Fresh berries are in-season during spring and summer and typically cheaper when purchased locally–check out your local farmer’s market! During other seasons, consider freeze-dried or frozen options without added sugar. 

Store fresh strawberries in a breathable container with a lid and refrigerate for 1-3 days. To prevent molding, wash strawberries only just before using or eating. To wash, rinse or submerge the berries in a bowl of cool water. Lift the berries out of the bowl, gently shake to drain, and place onto paper towels to dry. If you have more fresh berries than you can eat, the freezer is your friend! After cleaning your berries, remove the green leafy caps and freeze in a flat layer until hard. Transfer into containers or plastic bags, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Whether they are fresh, freeze dried or frozen, you can enjoy strawberries in a variety of ways! Add them to a salad, pancakes, oatmeal, blend them into a smoothie, or even drizzle them with dark chocolate. However you choose to serve them, enjoy some strawberries this summer!