Frequently Asked Questions

CALIFORNIA GIANT MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How should I choose strawberries in the produce department?
Strawberries should be plump with natural sheen & bright red coloring & fresh looking green caps. Pick up the strawberries and look for these features.

2. Does the size of strawberry impact the taste?
No - size is not a factor in determining flavor in strawberries. Flavor is influenced by the growing weather conditions and stage of berry ripeness when harvested. The strawberry plant variety will also impact taste. To heighten their naturally sweet flavor, serve strawberries at room temperature.

3. How nutritious are strawberries?
Strawberries are one of the most delicious and nutritious fruits. Strawberries are sodium-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free with only 45 calories per serving of 8 medium berries. Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, providing 93% of the recommended daily intake as recommended by the FDA. Strawberries are a good source of folic acid and fiber. Strawberries are also packed with antioxidants, most notably anthocyanins, the pigment that makes strawberries red. For more information on nutrition research being conducted on the benefits of strawberries, please visit www.calstrawberry.com.

4. What is a good way to freeze strawberries?
You will need to mix equal amounts of sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir the
mix over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool the mixture completely.
Place the washed strawberries into a freezer bag and pour enough of the mix to
completely cover the strawberries. Seal and freeze the bags in a single layer.

5. Do strawberries continue to ripen after they've been harvested?
No - Strawberries are individually hand-picked when they are fully ripened.
Once strawberries are harvested they do not continue to ripen.

6. What is the best way to store strawberries after they are purchased?
Once you get your strawberries home you should store them in the refrigerator. You can keep them in the plastic clamshell container, but for best results, place them in a covered container lined with dry paper towels. Do not wash them until you are ready to prepare them for consumption.

7. How do you suggest preparing strawberries for consumption?
Remove the strawberries from the refrigerator one hour before consumption. This will allow the strawberries to warm up to room temperature so their naturally sweet flavor can be enjoyed. Rinse the strawberries with caps still attached under a gentle spray of cool water and use a paper towel to pat them dry. Use a sharp paring knife to remove the caps or give them a twist.

8. Does California Giant use pesticides growing strawberries?
California Giant growers try to control pest damage by working with, rather against nature. Growers rely on natural pest enemies, pest resistant varieties, pest monitoring, cultural practices and other methods to minimize the need for pesticides. Working closely with scientists at the University of California, growers use models of pest and disease life cycles to determine the best times for applications so pesticides are used only when necessary.

9. Can you provide recipes for strawberries?
Please visit www.calstrawberry.com and view the great strawberry recipes on the California Strawberry Commission web-site.

10. Does California Giant use GMO's?
California Giant does not use GMO"s. California Giant has an on-going proprietary breeding program that continues to strive for the strongest, healthiest, most desirable fruit in each of our growing districts. For our customer, this means continued enhancement of our berries' flavor, size, condition and color.

11. How do I know your berries are safe for me and my family?
We take pride in the fact that we have always been leaders in the areas of health and safety in our farming and handling practices. We have moved beyond the industry's accepted standards by having Primus Laboratories perform third-party verification of our farming methods. Our customers can rest assured the products they buy from California Giant were produced only on farms, which are certified by their auditors.

12. Sometimes I don't receive quality strawberries from California Giant? Why?
As one of the nation's largest strawberry companies, California Giant has built a reputation on consistency, volume, excellent quality and customer satisfaction. From our own nurseries through our sophisticated cooling facilities, we control all aspects of our operation to provide the highest quality fruit possible.