MONTEREY COUNTY’S NUMBER ONE CROP
California supplies over 90% of America’s strawberries. With moderate temperatures year-round, sunny days and cool, humid nights the state has the perfect conditions for growing strawberries.
In 2021, strawberries replaced leaf lettuce as the number one Monterey County crop in terms of gross value. Monterey County produces over 300,000 tons of strawberries yearly making it the strawberry capital of America.
It’s no surprise then that strawberries are readily available throughout our area. Whether you buy yours at a grocery store, farm stand, or pick your own, there are plenty of great reasons to enjoy LOTS of them!
THE HEALTH BENEFITS
Strawberries are not just delicious, they’re a superfood. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and also contain vitamin B9 and potassium. They are rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which may have benefits for heart health, blood sugar control, and cancer prevention. Fresh strawberries are very high in water, so their total carb content is very low, plus they are low on the glycemic index making them suitable for diabetics.
For those who are pregnant or hoping to conceive, strawberries are a good source of folate with 21 mg per serving. Folate is necessary in the early stages of pregnancy to help in the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord. The folic acid in strawberries may also help to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
One caution: while strawberries are usually well tolerated, allergy is fairly common — especially in young children. Strawberries contain a protein that can cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to birch pollen or apples — a condition known as pollen-food allergy. If you have a known allergy in the Rosaceae family (peaches, cherries, apples, raspberry, blackberries) you could also have a strawberry allergy.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING, STORING, AND FREEZING
California strawberries are fully ripe at the time they are picked and do not continue to ripen after you purchase or pick them. Strawberries will stay their freshest when dry and cold, and any added moisture will soften the strawberries and encourage mold growth.
Here are some tips for choosing and storing strawberries:
- Choose berries that have a bright red color
- Strawberries should always be refrigerated and kept dry until just before serving. Strawberries shouldn’t be washed until just before serving.
- To store your berries, line a plastic or glass container with paper towels to absorb moisture. Lay the berries in a single layer and tightly seal the container.
- When ready to use, rinse berries under cool water keeping the green stems intact.
- After rinsing, gently blot dry.
- Once dry, remove the green caps from the berries with a light twist or with the point of a knife.
To freeze strawberries after rinsing, gently blot dry, then slice the stem off at top of the berry. Place cut side down on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Place uncovered in freezer for 24 hours. Transfer strawberries to a freezer bag or container. The frozen strawberries can be stored frozen for up to six months. Frozen strawberries are perfect for smoothies and homemade ice cream, and can be used in baking muffins or other baked goods.
PICK YOUR OWN & FARM STANDS
Berry Island Farms
10385 Watsonville Rd Gilroy, 95020 www.berryislandfarms.com
Open for U-pick every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm once season opens in late April.
Crystal Bay Farms
40 Zils Rd, Watsonville, 95076 • www.crystalbayfarm.com
Offers pick your own strawberries at a per pound rate (plus entrance fee). Strawberry picking season opens in late April.
The Farm
Hwy 68 at the Spreckels Blvd. exit. Salinas, 93908 thefarm-salinasvalley.com
The Farm is an agricultural education center and local farming business just outside of Salinas. The produce stand at Farm store is open to the public from late April on.
Gizdich Ranch
55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, 95076 www.gizdich-ranch.com
Pick strawberries right off the vine then picnic among the apple trees. There’s an antique shop, a pie shop, and a deli on-site and you can also buy fruit and produce if you don’t want to pick your own. During the season the strawberry shortcake should not be missed and is worth a special trip.
Live Earth Farm and Discovery Program
1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, 95076 liveearthfarm.net
Farmstand, a CSA program that delivers to numerous locations in the area and seasonal u-pick dates.
Monterey Bay Farms
596 San Andreas Rd., Watsonville, CA 95076 www.skberries.com
A family-run strawberry farm with a roadside stand that sells certified organic strawberries.
Swanton Berry Farm
25 Swanton Rd. Davenport, 95017 (831) 889-0850 www.swantonberryfarm.com
Swanton Berry Farm was the first certified organic strawberry farm in California. No reservations are needed for u-pick and you can pick up a box at the farm stand.