Strawberries

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Strawberries
One of Oregons oldest and best loved
agricultural crops
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HistoryMid to Late 1800s

• The strawberry was once only purchased by the
  upper class
• They were expensive at market
• Unaffordable to many people
• However, as popularity and quantity grew, they
  became more affordable to working laborers and
  the lower class
• The strawberry trade became one of the most
  important features at the produce market

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Agricultural Importance

• Strawberry plants are easily adjustable to
  different types of soil
• A crop is present in a little over a year after
  planting
• The plants will keep blooming and producing
  fruit during the harvest season
• It provides jobs to a large number of people
• Including growers, carriers, retail sellers, etc.

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Growing Strawberries

• Harvest usually begins in early June and lasts
  for two to three weeks
• Each plant is picked two to three times a week
• Picked at the peak of ripeness
• Dont ripen anymore once picked
• All strawberries are picked, sorted, and packed
  into boxes by hand in the field
• Strawberries are then taken to a cooling facility
• Field heat is sucked from the strawberry using
  large fans in cold rooms
• Bring fruit temperature to 34 degrees Fahrenheit
• Temperature sensors are placed inside the pallets
  of fruit to monitor cooling process
• Within 24 hrs of harvest they are loaded onto a
  refrigerated truck
• And delivered to stores and buyers across the
  country

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Food Safety

• Growers ensure that the crop site is safe from
  potential problems
• Such as contaminated soil
• Take steps to sustain cleanliness of the crop
  site through ground preparation
• Fumigating the soil and covering planting bed
  with solid plastic
• Harvest season is the most demanding in terms of
  food safety
• Follow guidelines about irrigation, water
  quality, pesticide use, etc.

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How are Strawberries used?

• Some are sold as fresh market berries
• Most are processed into sliced and whole frozen
  berries
• Others are used for puree/concentrate and then
  added to
• Jams, jellies, syrups
• Still others are used in ice cream, yogurt,
  beverages, and baked goods

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Facts and Figures

• Oregons List of Agricultural Products
• Strawberries are ranked 23 in Oregon
• In terms of Oregons percentage grown
• Strawberries are ranked 32 in the nation
• Oregon produces 2 of the nations strawberries
• Revenue for strawberries totals 16,768,000
  yearly in Oregon

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Growing Regions

• Strawberries are grown in cool, marine climates
  west of the Cascade Mountains
• Most strawberries grown in Oregon are from the
  northern Willamette Valley
• The strawberry growing area extends north from
  Oregon through Washington to the Fraser Valley in
  British Columbia
• Dont forge

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5 Products