Commodity Fact Sheet Strawberries

1 Commodity Fact Sheet Strawberries Information compiled by the california strawberry commission How Produced Strawberries thrive along california 's Varieties Different varieties are suited to particular climates coast because western ocean exposure and Pacific winds and growing regions. Southern california varieties are insulate the fields from extreme temperatures and weather, adapted for warmer temperatures and shorter daylight hours providing the ideal conditions for early fruit production. Northern for growing Strawberries almost varieties have been selected for year-round. strawberry plants are a longer production cycle, which grown in stock nurseries and then extends through the fall.

2 For transplanted into fields where they more than 50 years, commercial grow for another three months varieties have been developed by before they begin producing fruit. pomologists at the University of Strawberries are grown all year california . Successes include the long in california , with the peak development of new commercial strawberry season occurring in strawberry varieties now grown April, May, and June when volume throughout the world and rises from about a million trays precedent-setting solutions to per week to seven million trays. disease and pest control. That is about 60 million pounds per week.

3 Commodity Value Strawberries are among the top five most All Strawberries are picked, frequently consumed fruits, sorted, and packed in the field by and consumption is steadily hand. Trays of Strawberries are increasing. One in five families then rushed to shipping facilities where they are cooled to reported eating more Strawberries in the past year than 32oF. Within 24 hours of harvest, fresh market Strawberries previous years. In 2015, Strawberries produced in california are loaded on refrigerated trucks for delivery across the accounted for 88 percent of the strawberry production.

4 Country. This unique and sophisticated distribution system Nearly 32,000 acres are devoted to strawberry production in ensures this highly perishable fruit reaches consumers in california . Canada, Mexico, and Japan are primary export fresh-from-the-field condition. markets for fresh and frozen california Strawberries . Today, Strawberries represent a $ billion industry in california . History This luscious fruit can be traced back as far as the Romans, and perhaps even the Greeks. Medieval Top Producing Counties california harvests more than stonemasons carved strawberry designs on alters and around two billion pounds of fruit annually.

5 The leading counties the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals, symbolizing in strawberry production include Santa Barbara, Orange, perfection and righteousness. During the same time period, Ventura, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Fresno, and San Strawberries were served at important state occasions and Luis Obispo. festivals to ensure peace and prosperity. Nutritional Value california Strawberries are an The most common explanation for how the strawberry got excellent source of vitamin C, providing 140 percent of the its name is that children in the nineteenth century threaded recommended daily value, and are a source of potassium, the berries onto straw and offered them for sale.

6 Fresh folate, and fiber. Naturally low in sugar, a one cup serving Strawberries began to flourish in california in the 1950s due of Strawberries has only 45 calories. Research shows eating to improved cultural technologies. eight Strawberries a day may improve memory, and reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. california strawberry growers are leading research in ways to conserve water, protect the soil, and reduce fertilizer and For additional information: pesticide use. One of the first agricultural groups to adopt california strawberry commission drip irrigation technology to conserve water, they continue to (831) 724-1301.

7 Invest millions of dollars in non-chemical farming methods. Website: Progressive and sustainable farming practices include innovative integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that work with nature to control pests, advance irrigation . management practices, and develop new strawberry varieties. This is one in a series of fact sheets composed by the california Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC). For additional educational materials: CFAITC, 2300 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833-3293 (916) 561-5625 (800) 700-AITC Fax: (916) 561-5697. 04/17 Email: Website: 2017 california Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

8 All rights reserved. strawberry Activity Sheet Plant Parts flower petal calyx Growing Season and Peak Production bract developing fruit JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC. Winter Plantings (short-day). CENTRAL. COAST Winter Plantings and (day-neutral). SANTA. MARIA Summer VALLEY* Plantings axillary Second Year stipule bud petiole blade SOUTHERN Winter california Plantings crown and first stolon OXNARD. Summer (stem) PLAIN*. node (runner) Plantings daughter plant roots * Strawberries are also grown in the San Joaquin and Central Valleys. Copyright University of california Board of Regents Lesson Ideas Fantastic Facts Create a map of california highlighting the major counties 1.

9 The average strawberry has 200 seeds. where Strawberries are grown. 2. Strawberries are harvested by hand. Estimate the number of seeds on a strawberry and devise a simple method for determining the number of seeds. 3. Strawberries are typically propagated using vegetative reproduction. Calculate the surface area and volume of a strawberry . 4. One serving of Strawberries contains 140 percent of the Discuss different pests that affect strawberry production and recommended daily value for vitamin C. methods for controlling these pests. 5. Strawberries do not continue to ripen after harvesting.

10 Devise a method of estimating the quantity of Strawberries produced on an acre of land. 6. During california 's peak production, 50 million pounds of Strawberries can be picked in one week. Write a paper entitled, california The strawberry Capitol of the United States. Use for your 7. An average acre of california farmland can produce 21 to 27. research. tons of Strawberries . Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hand and 8. Strawberries are perennial plants, but are often planted machine harvesting. Invent a machine to harvest annually. Strawberries . 9. california grown Strawberries account for 87 percent of the Analyze the economic impact export markets have on the nation's production.