Consider the strawberry. It's a tremendously popular fruit, particularly in Nova Scotia where we consume more strawberries per capita than any other region in Canada.

American Indians used to crush strawberries in a mortar and mix them with meal to make a strawberry bread. After trying this bread, the colonists developed their own version, and voila, strawberry shortcake was born.

If you like to pick your own fresh strawberries, remember to always leave the green cap on the berry. This will help them stay fresh longer. Strawberries don't ripen after they are picked, so be very picky when picking your berries.

Strawberries are very high in Vitamin C and folic acid and can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Strawberry growers in Nova Scotia take pride in the quality of berries they offer to the marketplace, and if you are like many other berry lovers in the province, you would agree that they are a bargain at any price.

Through our links find the closest U-pick operation to you.

The following links provide more information about strawberries:

Strawberry U-Picks in Nova Scotia
Strawberries & More
Horticulture Nova Scotia
U-Pick Food Safety

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2 cups crushed strawberries*
4 cups sugar
1 pkg. (57 g) powdered fruit pectin
3/4 cup water

Combine berries with sugar in bowl; mix well; let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine pectin and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Add to fruit mixture, stirring constantly for three minutes. Pour into sterilized jars, (LEAVE HEADSPACE for expansion) seal and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Store in freezer.

Makes 5-250 mL (8 oz.) jars.

*1 quart box at purchase.

For more information, contact:

Horticulture Nova Scotia
Kentville Agricultural Centre, Blair House
Kentville, N.S. B4N 1J5
(902) 678-9335
(902) 678-1280 (fax)
Web Site: www.hortns.com