For some areas, the winter season often brings a shortage of quality, fresh and flavorful fruit and vegetables. However, with a little innovation, some careful planning, the right technology, team, and calculated approach, you can enjoy the exquisite taste of Pure Flavor®’s Sweet Blooms® Strawberries even during the coldest months of the year.
Meet the Pure Flavor® Sweet Blooms® Strawberries:
Pure Flavor® Sweet Blooms® Strawberries are a special variety of delicately sweet strawberries that can be enjoyed no matter the time of the year. The best part about the Sweet Blooms® Strawberries is that they are sustainably grown in glass greenhouses to ensure consistency in berry quality, flavor, and availability.
Bite-sized, juicy, and hand-picked in small batches, they are Berriously Delicious® even during the winter months.
Take a step inside our greenhouse during the winter season and learn how we grow Sweet Blooms® Strawberries year-round with these interesting facts:
1. When is Strawberry Season?
Strawberry season varies by region and climate, but for most areas, it generally occurs in early spring (April) and into later summer (August). At Pure Flavor® we’ve been able to take the seasonality out of growing fresh strawberries due to our unique growing capabilities that allow us to grow year-round.
2. How is Pure Flavor® able to grow strawberries year-round?
To grow Sweet Blooms® Strawberries year-round, even during the winter months, it takes careful planning and the right growing conditions. To do so, we use state-of-the-art greenhouse growing technology and methods that ensure the berry plants are happy, healthy, and of course warm.
Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial for successfully growing strawberries in a greenhouse, especially during the months when there isn’t enough natural light. For proper lighting, we always monitor light placement, light duration, light intensity, light efficiency, and more.
Water: Like lighting, water is another essential element for growing greenhouse strawberries. Strawberries have specific water requirements, and ensuring they receive the right amount of moisture is crucial for their health, taste, and production.
Nutrients: Properly managing the amount of nutrients that is fed to strawberry plants is another crucial factor. Plants must have a calculated amount of nutrients to promote healthy growth and maximization of production, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Managing pests (bugs) in a greenhouse is essential for successful strawberry plant health. Greenhouse plants are susceptible to various insect pests, and it’s important to implement pest control measures with good bugs to protect the crop. Orius are the primary good bugs that help with keeping the bad bugs (Aphids) away from plants.
3. What are the health benefits of eating strawberries?
Strawberries are low in calories and packed with essential nutrients, such as Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and folate. Some potential health benefits of eating strawberries include improved heart health, weight management, and better digestion and are also known for their skin-boosting properties.
4. What goes well with Sweet Blooms® Strawberries?
From snacks to salads, parfaits, and family-focused meals and desserts, Pure Flavor® Sweet Blooms® Strawberries are versatile and pair well with a wide range of other ingredients in both sweet and savory dishes.
Here are some combinations that go particularly well with Sweet Blooms® Strawberries:
- Herbs & Spices: Oregano, Rosemary, Basil, Cardamom, Cinnamon
- Meats & Cheeses: Pork, Chicken, Goat Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese
- Fruits & Veggies: Cucumbers, Avocado, Lemons, Blueberries, Spinach
- Pasta, Rice & Grain: Oats, Pumpkin Seeds, Rice, Vienna Bread, Baguette
5. What are some popular recipes that use Sweet Blooms® Strawberries?
Here are some of our favorite Sweet Blooms® Strawberries recipes that are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season: