Background

Strawberries are known to have been cultivated in ancient Rome, and Italy is still the largest European producer. Different varieties of the fragrant berry have grown throughout northern Europe, South America and the United States, where they were discovered growing wild in Virginia by European settlers. By the mid-1800's, strawberries were being cultivated in many parts of the United States, with California now leading the way in domestic strawberry production. California provides 80% of the strawberries commercially grown in the United States. In France and other parts of Europe, strawberries were enjoyed by peasants and royalty alike. Wealthy men dipped them into wine, while the ladies dipped them into cream. Strawberries were the favorite fruit of Louis XIV, who even held a poetry contest on the subject. In 13th century France, strawberries were also used medicinally for a variety of digestive ailments. Strawberries are said to have gotten their name from the English practice of placing straw around the growing plants for protection, although some sources maintain that the name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon verb "to Strew" (spread) because of the runners that spread outward from the plant.

Food Value:

Naturally sweet, this most popular berry is high in vitamins A and C and folic acid among other vitamins and minerals. Eight medium strawberries contain only 45 calories and no fat, while providing an amazing 160 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C. A cup of whole fresh strawberries has about 55 calories. Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (166 grams) Calories 50 Protein 1 gram Carbohydrates 11.65 grams Dietary Fiber 3.81 grams Calcium 23.24 mg Iron 0.63 mg Magnesium 16.60 mg Phosphorus 31.54 mg Potassium 44.82 mg Selenium 1.16 mg Vitamin C 94.12 mg Folate 29.38 mcg Vitamin A 44..82 IU

Measuring Strawberries:

1 1/2 pounds = 2 pints or 1 quart 1 small basket = 1 pint 1 pint = 3 1/4 cups whole berries 1 pint = 2 1/4 cups sliced berries 1 pint - 1 2/3 cup pureed berries 1 cup = about 4 ounces Want more information? Check out this site!

Eating Berries:

Slice them into cereal.   Put them on or in your pancakes and waffles.   Stir slices into your yogurt.   Whir in a blender with a splash of orange juice for a great smoothie.   Make the smoothie and add tofu to boost protein and calcium, and you've got yourself a meal.   Make a chilled soup using strawberries.   Make sweet jam or fiery salsa, chutneys and other condiments.   Do a strawberry shortcake.   Use mashed or sliced berries sprinkled with sugar for shortcake. If berries stand for 30 minutes, they form their own juice.   For scones, make a rich fudge strawberry filling with 1 cup warmed hot fudge topping and 1 cup sliced strawberries.   Combine strawberries with rhubarb and bake them in a pie.   Make a strawberry pie or pudding.   When making a glazed strawberry pie, arrange the whole strawberries pointed ends up before spooning glaze over them.   Puree fresh berries for a sauce for fruit sorbet or a dipping sauce for other fruit.   Bake several loaves of strawberry bread and pair them with strawberry butter made from mashed berries, butter, and confectioners' sugar.   To make a pretty dessert, slice whole berries in half, leaving the stem on. Spread softened fruit-flavored cream cheese between the halves and press them together, allowing some cream cheese to peek out. Gently roll the cream cheese in finely chopped nuts.   And the best way..... pick berries, insert into mouth, repeat, repeat, repeat!