Maturity
Strawberries are ripe when red color covers the fruit.
Harvest Method, Postharvest Handling
Strawberries are harvested by hand, whether for fresh market or processing. For fresh market, caps (calyx) are left intact; for processing, fruit are plugged (caps removed).
Storage
Strawberries are extremely perishable, having a max storage life of only 5-7 days at 32 F and 95 % RH. They are either processed or shipped immediately.
THE STRAWBERRY (FRAGARIA X ANANASSA)’S
CONTRIBUTION TO DIET
About 75% of the strawberries grown in the USA are sold fresh, and 25% processed (mostly frozen). Strawberries are higher in vitamin C than many citrus fruits. Per capita consumption of strawberries was 7 lbs/year in 2004