What I learned about CA Strawberries at Ramos Farms

This post is sponsored by the California Strawberry Commission. All opinions, thoughts, and images are my own.

You know what I love about living in California? Everything! Especially the weather. If you were to search for the states with the best weather, California would definitely be on every list. And if you were to search where the best cities with best weather are in the US, you would find at least three cities from California on that list as well. What that means for us California natives is that we have the opportunity to grow a large part of the nation’s food supply.  California strawberries for example, comprises of approximately 40,000 acres along the California coast.

Earlier this month I had the privilege of touring Ramos Strawberry Farms in Watsonville, CA. courtesy of CA Strawberries and Mr. Ramos himself. More than 400 farmers throughout California, like Mr. Ramos, work together with the California Strawberries Commission to produce nearly 88 percent of the nations strawberries. Let me say that again in case it didn’t sink in. That means, 88% of the strawberries sold in the US, come from California. That’s huge!

As you may know, farming is a lifestyle commitment for Growers. It’s a 24/7 commitment to produce, as well as distribute quality produce for our nation day in and day out. And it doesn’t stop there. California strawberry farmers (two-thirds being Latinos by the way) are committed to sustainable farming and have invested their time and millions of dollars in non-chemical farming methods.

Contrary to the popular belief of pesticide residues causing health concerns, the truth is California Strawberries do not pose a safety concern. As a matter of fact, analysis from a toxicologist with the University of California’s Personal Chemical Exposure Program found that residues on strawberries are so low, if present at all, that a child could literally eat 1,508 servings of strawberries in a day and still not have any effects from residues. Considering the recommended daily serving size is only eight strawberries a day, I think we’re going to be alright if we forget to wash a few before eating them.

I’d say the benefits of eating 1 cup (#8aday) are far more beneficial than worrying about residues. A quick rinse to remove any dirt is all you need.

So, lets talk about some of those benefits. Shall we?

Here are a few good reasons to be including more California strawberries in your diet:

• 1 cup has 3 grams of fiber and provides 140% of the daily value of Vitamin C, which is more vitamin C than in one orange!
• According to nutritionist expert Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, “Strawberries have anthocyanins, an antioxidant which has been suggested to improve memory and brain function and possibly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
• They have antioxidant and immunity boosting properties that are believed to play a role in the prevention and treatment of a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer.
• They contain Folate, Potassium, and are considered a low glycemic food with only 7 grams of sugar.
• Because of their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities, strawberries also help fight bad cholesterol. That’s great news for your heart!

For more information on the benefits of strawberries and recipes to try, visit www.californiastrawberries.com.

You can also follow them on social media for more up-to date posts @CAstrawberries.

***Thank you to the California Strawberry Commission for making this post possible. All opinions, thoughts, and images are my own.***