The Swiss Fruit Association is back with some good news: The wait is over: Swiss strawberries are ripe and the volumes picked are still increasing; slowly but steadily. Currently, about 280 tons of the sweet fruit are harvested per week. From the second week of June onwards, we expect to see 1000 tons of strawberries per week for about three weeks. Strawberries are planted on 515 hectares in Switzerland. The organic share is 7.5 percent. In order to secure the domestic supply, the area (Suisse Garantie, Bio) under protected cultivation is constantly increasing. This also allows the use of plant protection products to be further reduced. Currently, about one third of the strawberry areas are protected. The Swiss cultivated queen of berries will be available right into the fall.
Short transport routes guarantee freshness
Every year, around 24,000 tons of strawberries are consumed in Switzerland, of which around 7,000 tons are produced domestically. Per capita consumption is 2.2 kilograms. In terms of harvest volume, strawberries are the third most important domestic table fruit. In terms of freshness, Swiss strawberries stand out from foreign produce, as this has to come in from further away. Anyone who also values short transport routes and environmentally friendly production should therefore consider the origin of their purchase.
More vitamin C than lemons
Strawberries not only taste good, they are also true vitamin bombs. With 59 milligrams per 100 grams, they contain more vitamin C than lemons or oranges. In addition, they have hardly any calories due to their high water content. In addition to vitamins A, B, C and E, the berry contains a lot of magnesium and calcium. The folic acid in particular is considered particularly healthy during pregnancy.