The Queensland strawberry season is in full swing. The fruit is excellent, full of flavour and very attractively priced. Most of this fruit is grown in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, where the nights are cold and the days warm. These strawberries are excellent quality and keep very well. Don’t forget to take them out of the fridge a good half an hour before you consume them. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, low in calories and a great favourite with all generations; a real treat with your breakfast cereal or to snack on at any time of the day.
HOW TO PICK
The perfect strawberry should be fully coloured, firm, bright, plump and shiny. Size plays no part in determining the perfect strawberry. In fact, small strawberries are equally as sweet and juicy as large ones. Make sure the cap (calyx) is attached, green and fresh-looking.
HOW TO STORE
The moisture content of strawberries is high, so always remove fruit from punnets and place (unwashed) in a large container lined with absorbent paper. Strawberries are best stored at 4°C, either uncovered or loosely covered. Serve at room temperature. Only remove their caps after washing and just prior to use.
