Good Weather, Increased Acreage Result in Record Production for the Super Fruit

Nutrition and Serving Tips Available from 'Dietitian Dad' Dave Grotto via Twitter Event

When: Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. PDT

Go to http://www.twitter.com and follow the hashtag #strawberries

WATSONVILLE, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- A celebration is in order for the millions of Americans who say that strawberries are their favorite fruit - and for the health-conscious interested in loading up on nutrient-rich super foods. This season, America can enjoy an abundance of strawberries thanks to ideal growing conditions and more strawberry farmland in California than ever before. This means there'll be no shortage of America's favorite fruit for upcoming summer holidays and festivities.

With Father's Day just around the corner, the California Strawberry Commission has lined up "Guytitian" Dave Grotto to provide strawberry nutrition advice and creative ways to enjoy strawberries and keep Dads healthy. All strawberry lovers are invited to join Dave in a Twitter Open House on Thursday, June 18th at 6:00 p.m. PDT by following the Twitter hashtag: #strawberries. Questions and discussion are welcome during the two-hour session. All participants who use the event's hashtag will be entered to win a North Face Messenger Bag or a Camelbak Water Carrier - either of which would make a great gift for Dad (if you can bear to part with them).

"Strawberries are considered a super food because they deliver the highest levels of vitamins and antioxidants in very small servings," said Dave Grotto. "The great thing about strawberries is that they're sweet and delicious to eat, while also providing healthful nutrients like vitamin C, folate and potassium."

Strawberry Production Increase

For the past five years California strawberry acreage has been steadily increasing. This year, family farmers are growing strawberries on over 37,000 acres that span the California coast. This increased acreage, combined with ideal weather conditions - not to hot, not too cold - resulted in nearly 700 million pounds of strawberries produced to date. Strawberries in California will continue to be harvested throughout the year. Last year, 1.8 billion pounds of fresh and frozen strawberries were enjoyed by consumers across the country and around the world. California produces 88 percent of the nation's strawberries.

Quick Links:

• Visit the California Strawberry Commission to get unique recipes from top chefs.
• Become a fan at: California Strawberries Facebook Fan Page
• Twitter: Follow us http://www.Twitter.com/CAstrawberries

About the California Strawberry Commission

The California Strawberry Commission is a state government agency that represents an industry of more than 500 growers and 60 shippers and processors of California strawberries. With a focus on food safety education, Commission strategies also include production and nutrition research, trade relations, public policy and marketing communications.

For more information, contact the California Strawberry Commission at 831-724-1301.

SOURCE California Strawberry Commission