Fruit brokers, buyers and R&D professionals around the world know that Oregon’s strawberries have the best color and flavor profile available. Oregon strawberries are known for being sweeter, more flavorful and red throughout, and retaining these qualities after processing. Until recently, we only had our own taste buds to tell us that Oregon grew the best strawberries available. But now, a scientific study confirms that Oregon Strawberries truly are “Sweeter, Redder, Simply Better”. Dr. Michael Qian, of Oregon State University’s Food Science and Technology Department, has completed a study that compares six varieties of Oregon Strawberries with five strawberry varieties from California and found that the Oregon berries out preformed the California varieties in every test. Dr. Qian’s research analyzed taste and nutritional  quality. Dr. Qian compared Oregon Totem 2003 and 2004, Hood, Independence, Puget Reliance and Puget Summer strawberries with the following California varieties: Ventana, Camarosa, Venice, 13g97 and San Miguel. All fruit was collected during the 2004 harvest and immediately quick-frozen and stored for six months at -10 degrees. When tested for sweetness Oregon Totem strawberries had the highest levels of total sugars. The average fructose, glucose and sucrose content in Oregon cultivars were 2.66 gm, 2.33 gm and 0.77gm, while California berries had 1.93 gm, 1.69 gm and 1.02 respectively. Oregon cultivars also showed higher citric acid, malic acid and total organic acid levels indicating that they are better suited for a superior quality processed product.

Numerous studies have shown the importance of antioxidant activity and potential health benefits derived from anthocyanins, which give berries their rich color. Once again Oregon strawberries at 30.25gm/100 gm of fruit, showed much higher anthocyanin levels than those from California at 12.28gm/100 gm of fruit. Sensory panels also gave Oregon strawberries high marks for overall fruit quality and overall aroma when compared to California berries. Another study, conducted by Dr. Mary Ann Lila of University of Illinois, suggested that the climate of the Northwest creates berries that are higher in health benefits because the plants are exposed to more stressful weather conditions and as a result produce protective phytochemicals that are beneficial to humans and help the plant ward off disease. All of this leaves no doubt that Oregon strawberries are a superior processing berry for flavor, color and health benefits. No wonder we say - Oregon Strawberries-Sweeter, Redder, Simply Better! Click Here for Dr. Michael Qian's research "Objective Flavor Comparison of Oregon Strawberries and those from other climatic condition" "R. Jetti , E.Yang, S. Mahler, M. C. Qian. 2005. Color, sugar and organic acids profiles of strawberries grown in Oregon and California. 36E-19, 2005 “IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20, New Orleans, Louisiana" Reyes-Carmona, Josephina, G.G. Yousef, Ram artinez-Peniche, and M.A. Lila.  2005.  “Antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of blackberry(Rubus sp.) produced in different climatic regions.” Journal of Food Science

Oregon Strawberry Brochure The Oregon Strawberry Brochure is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format which can be used to view the document as well as print a copy.  If you cannot view PDF files, then please download a free copy of Acrobat Reader. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please call 541-758-4043 or e-mail us.

Sensational Flavor in Every Bite When it comes to fruit, there's nothing better than Oregon Strawberries.  They create instant appetite appeal with their intense red color, consistently firm texture and lovely heart shape.  Our strawberries are naturally sweeter.  They pay off with sensational, juicy flavor in every bite.

Oregon Strawberries retain their color well and are sold in a variety of custom-made forms for use in yogurt

Although many varieties of strawberries are grown throughout the world, Oregon Strawberries are superior and benefit greatly from the region's ideal climate and soil.  With Oregon's mild winters, the plants rejuvenate earlier and produce a greater abundance of fruit in the spring and summer.  The cooler summer evenings and warm days help produce plumper, juicier fruit with higher natural sugar content.  Simply put, Oregon Strawberries are sweeter.

Appetizing pieces of Oregon Strawberries retain their bright color and sweet flavor in gourmet ice cream.

Ideal for Food Service Applications Oregon Strawberries enhance the menu of any restaurant.  Our berries' reputation for quality, color and flavor always commands an extra level of respect and price.  Individually Quick-Frozen (IQF) strawberries are ideal for pies because of their consistent size and flavor.  They remain relatively firm when baked and retain their naturally sweet flavor. Plus, IQF strawberries are available all year.

Oregon Strawberries are also sold sliced in sweetened juice for use as toppings on shortcakes, pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, yogurt, ice cream and countless other dessert creations.  They can be purchased canned, frozen or in aseptic bags in a variety of sizes.

Consumers Love Our Berries in Beverages A popular use of our strawberries is as an ingredient in beverages served in restaurants.  Strawberries have broad consumer appeal and can be served any time of day.  Seedless strawberry puree is ideal for yogurt smoothies, milkshakes or flavored slush drinks.  In addition, Oregon Strawberries make terrific margaritas and daiquiris for restaurants and bars.

Strawberry puree is quickly becoming a popular way for bars to mix strawberry margaritas.  If you can't find pre-made puree, simply blend up frozen or canned strawberries.

Manufacturers of premium yogurt and ice cream use Oregon Strawberries because of their superior color retention.  They maintain uniform structure when sliced and blended so consumers can see appetizing pieces of Oregon Strawberries in the finished product.

Freeze-dried strawberries are ideal as an ingredient in ice cream because they don't form ice crystals in the center of the finished product.  Freeze-dried strawberries can also be purchased whole, sliced, diced or powdered for used in confections and yogurt or as a key ingredient in dried cereals.

Strawberry concentrates of impeccable consistency are important natural flavorings for soft drinks, candy, wine coolers and cookie filling.  The naturally vibrant color is also used to enhance the appearance of many prepared foods.

Oregon strawberry cheese cake is always a winner at home or on a restaurant menu.  You can be proud to serve sweet, red strawberries from Oregon.

The opportunities are endless.  The quality is unsurpassed.  People expect more from Oregon Strawberries because they are simply better.
 
 

Individually quick-frozen strawberries from Oregon are easier to slice and retain their shape well.  They are ideal for pies and ice cream	Sliced berries are ideal toppings for ice cream or pancakes.  They've sold frozen, canned and in aseptic bags for food service and industrial use	Oregon Strawberry puree is frequently used as an ingredient in blended drinks for bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors