Press Release For more information, contact: Or Wisconsin Berry Growers Associaton www.wiberries.org info@wiberries.org For immediate release. WHEN ARE FRESH STRAWBERRIES AVAILABLE IN WISCONSIN? The best answer – it depends. It depends on where you are located in Wisconsin, how the spring weather has been, and what varieties of strawberries you are picking. Generally speaking, strawberries become available in southern Wisconsin at the beginning of June. Usually sometime between the 5th and 10th. The season then moves northward reaching the Wausau and Antigo area about the first of July. A warm, temperate spring moves the season earlier a bit; while a colder spring may move the picking season later. Strawberry variety also plays a role in when the berries are ripe for picking. Annapolis and Honeoye are popular early season varieties; Cabot and Masabi are mid-season selections while Jewel and Winona ripen later. The Wisconsin Berry Growers Association tracks the season’s progress on their webpage at www.wiberries.org Click on the “Picking Guide” to get the latest updates on the berry season. If you click on “Where to Pick” you can search for berry farms close to you. Each farm listing offers contact information, berries grown and links to the farm website if available. Mmmm….can’t you almost taste those fresh Wisconsin strawberries! It won’t be long now! ## Press Release For more information, contact: Or Wisconsin Berry Growers Associaton www.wiberries.org info@wiberries.org For immediate release. WISCONSIN STRAWBERRIES – DELICIOUS AND GOOD FOR YOU! It’s great when you find something that not only tastes wonderful but is good for you – that’s the delicious truth about strawberries! Strawberries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural substances found in plants, which are known to aid in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and stroke. In addition to boosting your immune system, these valuable compounds are also known to slow the effects of aging by improving things like memory, balance, coordination and motor skills. One cup of strawberries also provides 140% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital to the production of collagen which is involved in the building and health of cartilage, joints, skin, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps protect the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation; it aids in neutralizing pollutants; helps produce antibodies and has natural antihistamine properties. Strawberries are also packed with flavonoids, two in particular, called quercetin and kaempferol. Research shows that these two flavonoids help keep “bad” (LDL) cholesterol from oxidizing and damaging artery walls. Strawberries also contain ellargic acid which acts as a scavenger to “bind” cancer-causing chemicals, making them inactive. It inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. In addition, it prevents binding of carcinogens to DNA and reduces the incidence of cancer in cultured human cells exposed to carcinogens. Wow – delicious and good for you – what a great combination! A perfect reason to enjoy fresh strawberries this season! To find out where to pick strawberries near you or more information on preparation and storage go to www.wiberries.org ## Press Release For more information, contact: Or Wisconsin Berry Growers Associaton www.wiberries.org info@wiberries.org For immediate release. TAKING CARE OF THOSE FRESH STRAWBERRIES It’s strawberry season and you can’t wait to get out to the farm and pick some of those delicious red berries. Here are some tips to make your picking this season the best. Pick your strawberries early in the morning when the berries are still cool and the sun hasn’t had time to soften them. Or, wait until early evening after the sun has started to set. When picking, use both hands. In one hand hold the branch which supports several berries and with the other pinch the stem between your thumb and forefinger to pick the berry with stem or hull intact. You want to keep those hulls in place so your fruit doesn’t lose its vitamin content. Without the hull, berries can become waterlogged when washed and are vulnerable to mold-causing bacteria. Once picked, keep your berries out of the sun and be careful not to fill containers too full or the bottom berries will be crushed. Freshly picked strawberries are the best tasting, so use or preserve them as soon as possible. When you get your berries home, remove them from the container and sort, tossing any overripe or discolored berries. Place your berries in a sealed plastic bag and put in the refrigerator. Handpicked berries should last in your refrigerator for two to three days depending on firmness and degree of ripeness. Do not wash your berries until you are ready to use or eat them. When ready to wash, just rinse your berries, do not allow them to soak or they’ll become waterlogged. Hull or remove the stem after washing with a small knife or huller. For long term storage, freeze your berries. Berries frozen without sugar should be used within 3 to 6 months. Berries frozen with sugar can be stored up to one year and have enhanced flavor, appearance and quality. Use ¾ cup sugar to 4-5 cups of whole berries. For sliced berries, use about 1 cup sugar for 6 cups of berries. Sprinkle sugar over berries and let stand for about 10 minutes so sugar can dissolve. For information on where to pick fresh strawberries or for recipes, go to www.wiberries.org ##