Strawberries

Nutrition: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. They contain 55 calories per 1 cup serving.

Selection: Berries should have a full red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh. Choose fully ripe berries, as strawberries do not ripen after being picked. The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached. Berries should be dry and clean; usually medium to small berries have better flavour quality than large ones. Avoid berries with large uncolored or seedy areas or those with a dull, soft look.

Storage: Use strawberries as soon as possible after purchase. Take berries home immediately after purchase. Remove the berries from their container. Leaving the caps on the berries, sort and gently arrange them in a single layer on a cookie sheet or other shallow container. Store in the refrigerator. To freeze, wash, remove hulls, sort and gently arrange berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in freezer until solid. When berries are frozen solid, remove from cookie sheets and store in plastic bags or an air tight container.

Preparation: Just before serving, wash them in gently flowing cold water in a colander. Drain and remove caps by giving them an easy twist with a strawberry huller or sharp knife. Check out our recipes section for some tasty ideas!