Author: Cyndie Story
Last saved by: michelle.armstrong
Company: Culinary Solution Centers, LLC

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Fruit Preparation Methods and Tips

Segment 19: Strawberry and Raspberry
Chef Cyndie: Florida is the winter strawberry capitol of the world, producing 18 million flats of strawberries every year.  The sweet, slightly tart, red strawberry can make your customer’s mouth water.  And they are an excellent source of Vitamin C, and a good source of fiber.
Strawberries are fragile and should be handled carefully to prevent damage and bruising.  Ripe strawberries will be bright red, plump, and without soft or shriveled spots.  Be sure to discard any damaged or moldy strawberries.  Also, they are like little sponges, soaking up whatever liquid they are immersed in.  For that reason, rinse strawberries quickly under running water, using a colander to prevent the water from diluting the delicious taste.  
Strawberries may be served whole with the green stem attached.  Some people use the stem as a handle, especially if served with a dip. 
If you want to remove the stem, a tomato scoop is an excellent tool to use, and it leaves the strawberry with its natural shape.  Simply reach in and pinch the stem off between the scoop and your thumb. At this point, the strawberry may be cut in half, or sliced using a chef’s knife.  Be sure to make lengthwise cuts.  
To slice using a sectionizer, place the strawberry on the unit.  Be sure not to lay on its side because you would get slices going the wrong way.  Using the handle, pull down to create strawberry slices.  
Raspberries are interchangeable with strawberries in most recipes.  However, raspberries are much more delicate and perishable than strawberries. Ripe raspberries will be brightly colored and plump without the hull.  If the hull is intact, that means the berry was picked before it was ripe.  
It is not recommended to rinse raspberries because of water absorption, but school meal programs should rinse all produce the same day it is served.  So, be very careful when rinsing your raspberries, and keep the colander close to the water source to prevent bruising, and rinse quickly not allowing the berries to sit in water.
Strawberries and raspberries are great for garnishing too.  Just look at the eye appeal the red color adds to these fruit cups.  
MMMMMMMmmmmm, I’m having some of these mouth watering strawberry treats for lunch!  Remember, eat the rainbow every day.