Strawberries are nutritious, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also versatile, as you can use them to make desserts like strawberry trifles, shortcakes, and cobblers. Get high-quality strawberries to promote a healthy lifestyle while supporting strawberry farming. Here are tips for choosing the best strawberries:
Look at the Color
Assess the strawberries’ color and surface from top to bottom. The best strawberries have a bright red color and shiny surface. Strawberries with this color are usually ripe and fresh, which is when they’re the sweetest. The red color results from the high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals in the berries that can help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Check the Stem
The stem is an indicator of a strawberry’s overall freshness. Choose strawberries with vibrant, healthy-looking stems and bright green leaves. This shows that the strawberries have been recently harvested and are at the peak of their freshness.
Smell the Strawberries
Smelling strawberries can tell you whether they’re fresh and safe to eat. Fresh strawberries have a strong and sweet aroma that can mean the berries are ripe and juicy, making them an excellent choice.
Look for Organic Strawberries
Find a supplier who practices organic strawberry farming if you’re concerned about chemicals. These suppliers put the organic label on their products to make it easier for clients to find them. Organic strawberries are free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic strawberries also contain more antioxidants and vitamin C.
Consider Firmness and Plumpness
Selecting plump and firm strawberries can enhance their taste, quality, and health benefits. Plump strawberries are likely to be juicier and contain a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Firm strawberries will likely last longer and are easier to handle during transportation and preparation. Gently press strawberries with your fingers before purchasing to assess firmness.
Buy Local Strawberries When in Season
Choose strawberries grown locally whenever possible. Local ones will likely be flavorful and fresh as you can get them straight from the farm. Also, take advantage of strawberry season and get your batch then. They will likely be at their flavor and nutritional value peak.
How to Store Your Strawberries
Proper storage is as vital to enjoying your strawberries as selecting the right ones. You can keep your strawberries fresh and flavorful for a long time using these storage tips:
Keep Your Strawberries Dry Until You’re Ready to Use Them
Strawberries last longer when dry. Wait until you’re ready to eat, or use your strawberries to wash them. If you intend to keep them for an extended period, put them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Keep Them in a Single Layer
Stacking or piling strawberries can cause bruising and squash the berries. Strawberries also release moisture, so storing strawberries in a single layer allows air to circulate freely. This can reduce moisture buildup, prolonging their freshness and quality.
Keep the Stems on Your Strawberries
Leaving the stems intact can help retain the fruit’s freshness. The stem is a natural barrier, preventing air and moisture from entering the berry. It also makes handling and eating the berry easier without getting your hands messy. Keep the stems on even when storing the berries in the refrigerator.
Support Strawberry Farming
Incorporating strawberries into your diet is an easy and delicious way to promote overall well-being and improve quality of life. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which can promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Choose fresh and safe berries to get high nutritional value while promoting strawberry farming.
