I was so excited when I got an email from California Strawberries asking me if I would like to go on a tour and enjoy a strawberry-filled lunch afterwards. Ummmm….yeah!!! No hesitation. Sign me up and count me in.
I’m always game for a touring and tasting of California Strawberry Fields adventure.
We visited Ramos Farms in Watsonville, California. Miguel Ramos, the owner, took us on a fun tour of the farm. I learned that there are different varieties of strawberries. (Who knew? I always thought there was just one – the delicious kind). Miguel explained the difference is in the leaves and the sweetness.
This photo shows the Cabrillo varietal on the left (the leaves are flatter) and the Monterey varietal on the right (the leaves are curvier). Miguel also grows the Albion varietal, too.
We had so much fun picking strawberries. I had an even better time eating them.
That’s Miguel and I holding up the fruits of our labor.
Strawberries are a superfood, too, and they provide you with so many health benefits.
Here are 8 reasons why you should eat 8 strawberries a day:
- 1 cup has only 45 calories. Perfect for your waistline.
- 1 cup has 3 grams of fiber. Fiber fills you up.
- 1 cup has only 7 grams of sugar which is low in sugar compared to many other fruits which have 15 grams of sugar. This makes strawberries low glycemic and good for preventing diabetes and controlling blood sugars.
- 1 cup provides 140% of the daily value of Vitamin C. That’s more vitamin C than in 1 orange. Vitamin C is amazing for skin health since it helps cell growth. For some strawberry smoothie recipes, check out my latest book, 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Skin.
- Strawberries have anthocyanins, an antioxidant which provides the deep red coloring. Anthocyanins have been suggested to improve memory and brain function and possibly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Strawberries have also been suggested to improve one’s mood due to the anthocyanins increasing our happy hormone, dopamine. Time for a happy dance.
- Strawberries are also anti-inflammatory which is great for heart-health.
- Strawberries contain Folate, Potassium, and many other nutrients which are important for our overall well-being.
After the farm tour, we went to Ella’s at the Airport for a strawberry-packed lunch. There are so many ways to add strawberries into your recipes. Here are some ideas:
Strawberry Shish-Kebabs using Strawberries, Pineapple, Cheese, and Prosciutto
Strawberry Pizza with Basil and Cheese
Strawberry Salsa over Halibut and Pureed Cauliflower
Strawberries in a Salad
Strawberry Vinaigrette for a Salad Dressing
Strawberry Parfait with a Strawberry Coulis and Tres Leches Cake
(Ella’s at the Airport made all these fabulous dishes).
What other creative ways do you include strawberries into your daily diet? Comment below and let me know.
Final Tip: Visit your local fruit or vegetable farm on your next family outing. If you call ahead, many farms will offer a tour and provide you with so much knowledge and information. AND, you may even get to take home some super fresh produce. A win-win situation. Cheers to good times, good food, and good education.
Thank you California Strawberries!
This is a sponsored post for California Strawberries. All opinions and photos are my own.
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN