Strawberries

We live right next to the "winter strawberry capital of the world." Our newspaper this week was heralding a new strawberry we can try very soon. It is called Florida Radiance and it produces a lot of fruit in December. It is the first time since 2005 that a new variety has been grown in substantial numbers...like 300 acres.

What I didn't know, and find amazing, is that the University of Florida has a research center where scientists develop new types of strawberries. "Only about one in 30,000 new varieties the scientists create actually makes it to market. " Are you kidding me? Doesn't that seem like an impossible number?

There are 5 popular varieties grown in Florida including Strawberry Festival, Treasure, Sweet Charlie, Winter Dawn and Carmine. Florida Radiance will be the new one. I am anxious to try it.

A Farmer's Market in France

We have usually traveled to Europe in May or early June, so we have always enjoyed the fresh strawberries in France or Italy at the markets. I remember two particular kinds of strawberries, I know there were more, and we would try both of them to see if we favored one over the other. What it came right down to was this...we loved whatever name the strawberries had.

It won't be long now until we can get fresh, red, juicy berries. How about strawberry shortcake for Thanksgiving?

It was a surprise gift!

Have you tried POM Wonderful? It is 100% pomegranate juice grown in California's San Joaquin Valley. Someone from POM Wonderful was reading my blog and emailed me if I would like to receive a sample of POM. No strings attached.

My case of POM Wonderful arrived a few days ago, and I have been enjoying it every day since. It is full of antioxidants with no fillers, added sugars or the bad stuff. It really is quite enjoyable. Researchers say that it is the most potent antioxidant in nature, standing above red wine, grape juice, blackberry juice; you get the picture.

When my case is gone, I will be looking for it at my grocer's. So, thank you, POM Wonderful, for reading my blog, and for sending me this healthy juice.

On a more sober note...the alligator is back in our backyard pond. Be alert, be very alert!

Flathead Cherries

The cherries are ripe! We are vacationing in the prime location for getting ripe off the tree Flathead Cherries. They grow up in the Flathead region of Northwestern Montana. The season is short, as for all cherries, but we always seem to be here at the right time.

These were bought by our 87-year-old friend, Louie, when he went to town yesterday, so not sure of the price per pound. They were bought on the street and he had a large brown paper bag that had $5 on it. Had to be close to 3 pounds, I'm sure.

Several thousand pounds of these cherries are harvested and shipped all over the world. I have yet to see them anywhere but Montana. They are indescribably sweet, and would liken them to the Bing cherry most are used to.

The finale...

And, the conclusion to this raspberry madness is......peach melba and ice cream!!!

Oh yum!

My favorite color and berry. No more words are needed, except, they were not home grown. They were bought and the price was right!

Honeybells

This time of the year, one of our favorite treats ripen in Florida. They are called Honeybell Oranges. They are different than your typical oranges in that the juice that flows through them is very abundant. In fact, bear with me, but the best way to eat them is leaning over the kitchen sink with towel and running water. This is certainly nothing to serve to company!

They make excellent juice also. The only problem is that the time they are available is short-lived, only during January, and they are a little more expensive than regular oranges. We bought 1/4 bushel which turned out to be 16 oranges for $7. Not too bad for this once a year treat. I wish I could toss one to each and every one of you.

Cathy's Strawberry Cake Roll

Since last October when I saw this on Cathy's blog, I have been waiting for the Florida strawberries to ripen.

This morning as we were at the very crowded farmer's market, the strawberries were screaming my name and I knew just what to do. Cathy said the recipe was easy and it certainly was. But, I have much more than this household can ever eat, so I have a few neighbors who might be singing praises to Cathy also.

This is just the beginning of the strawberries and we live in the center of the strawberries here in Florida. I have a feeling that this Strawberry Cake Roll might be making another appearance. Thanks, Cathy!

Grapefruit

Our neighbors just brought over a large bag of grapefruit. They are heavy, fragrant and heavily laden with juice. I just love this time of year in Florida. Enjoy the picture.