What's Cookin? Tuesday - Citrus Berry Ice

Kristen Mowers, CalSERVES Nutrition Coordinator

How Do Strawberries Grow?

Strawberries grow on small, low growing perennials (plants that survive more than one growing season) that prefer well-drained, sandy soil and are native to temperate and mountainous tropical regions. To produce the best crop the plants need plenty of water, warm days and cool nights. Many varieties of strawberry plants produce stolons that spread out from the base and take root to form new plants.

The plants produce white or pink flowers.

After flowering, strawberry plants require pollination by bees or other insects in order to produce fruit. Factors such as cool or wet weather, which discourages bee activity, have a damaging affect on fruit production. Growing conditions and weather also affect the time required to produce fruit. On average it takes about 30 days for flowers to develop into fruit. The first crop can be harvested the year following planting.

While strawberry plants can survive and produce fruit for many years, commercial strawberry plants are replaced every two to four years, depending on the type of strawberry. Because strawberries are delicate, they are picked by hand when ripe and carefully placed in plastic baskets or containers. Once the berries leave the field, they are taken to cooling facilities to help them last longer.

Citrus Berry Ice

Makes 4 servings.

1 cup per serving.

Prep time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar

2 oranges, peeled and quartered

2½ cups fresh strawberries

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender container and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a shallow plastic container and place in the freezer.
3. Stir every 15 minutes until the mixture reaches a sherbet-like thickness. Serve immediately.

Calories 105, Fiber 5g, Protein 1g, Fat 0g