Berries

Strawberries, a member of the rose family, are unique in that they are the only fruit with seeds on the outside rather than the inside. Many medicinal uses were claimed for wild strawberries, its leaves and roots. The ancient Romans believed that the berries alleviated symptoms of melancholy, fainting, all inflammations, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, halitosis, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen. The American Indians were already eating strawberries when the Colonists arrived. The crushed berries were mixed with cornmeal and baked into strawberry bread. After trying this bread, Colonists developed their own version of the recipe and Strawberry Shortcake was created. Since then, Americans continue to rave about this fruit for dipping in chocolate, for using in cakes and pies, for making frothy milkshakes, and for preserving.

Melissa’s Organic Strawberries make a wonderful snack as well as a great baking ingredient. Bursting with the flavor of summer, Organic Strawberries are seasonal treasures organically grown and distributed without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives. Melissa’s Organic label reads: “Melissa’s Certified Organic Produce is free of artificial or synthetic fertilizers and full of unforgettable, great tasting flavor. Our farmers use traditional earth-friendly farming methods inspected by a nationally recognized agency to verify organic authenticity. Melissa’s Organic Produce, a choice made closer to nature.”

Organic Strawberries are preferred for reasons of taste, health and the environment. Enjoy fresh strawberries out of hand, mixed in salads, and in desserts.

Stems and caps should be fresh and firm. The berry should be plump and firm with a nice red finish. Avoid green or white strawberries that are mushy, shriveled, or leaky.