Strawberries a year-round sweet treat

I finished off my carton of strawberries last night while prepping a fruit salad. And while I was using the plastic container as a trash receptacle for the seeds of my cherries, I noticed a label promoting the website CalGiant.com. CalGiant I figured was the grower of my berries so once I savored my salad, I hopped on over to my laptop and checked things out.

Yep, California Giant is a berry farm, specializing in strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. I'd love to tell you about each of these juicy fruits -- and someday I will -- but for now, here are some facts specific to strawberries, straight from the CalGiant folks.

• Strawberries are high in folic acid which makes them great for women who are pregnant.
  
  

• Strawberries are high in antioxidants, thought to be responsible for lowering the risk of some cancers and improving urinary tract health and memory function.
  
  

• Strawberries are good for the heart. Dr. Gene Spiller, Nutrition and Health Research Center, recently released data showing that when people eat a daily serving of strawberries (about eight berries; 45 calories) there are significant increases in blood folate levels and decreases in systolic blood pressure.
  
  

• A nutrient dense fruit, strawberries taste great and contain lots of fiber.
  
  

• Strawberries are available year-round -- what an opportunity for consumers to add great taste and nutrition to their everyday, healthy diet.