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Santa Maria Valley Strawberries
The Santa Maria Valley’s vast agricultural heritage is represented by many crops, the most colorful of which are strawberries. The region’s uniquely moderate coastal climate is a perfect match for this fragile berry, with warm winters and cool summers that support an extended growing season of up to 10 months per year. Santa Maria produces over 20 million trays of strawberries annually which are distributed both domestically and internationally.
Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character and there is nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the field and available April through June at local grocery stores, fruit stands, restaurants and farmer’s markets.
Nutritional Facts
Eight medium strawberries supply 160% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, which is important for building collagen, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. It also aids in hormone production, speeds wound-healing, and strengthens the immune system.
Strawberries are high in soluble fiber, which may help lower blood cholesterol.
Strawberries are a good source of potassium, which regulates fluid balance and blood pressure.
Strawberries are rich in folate, which helps maintain and repair tissues and produce red blood cells.
Strawberry Varieties
Harvesting begins in Southern California and moves north as the season progresses. Peak season is between April and June when all of the growing districts are in full production. However, since 50 percent of the California crop is harvested after June 1, there are still plenty of strawberries available in the late summer and early fall. Listed below are strawberry varietals available in the Santa Maria Valley and surrounding communities.
Chandler
Large fruit with flavor and color that is exceptional on this vigorous, southern variety.
Selva
Fruit is firm, but generally has a dry, bland flavor.
Douglas
A hardy, medium sized fruit with a sweet flavor.
Seascape
Sweet, medium sized fruit and very red
Pajaro
Sweet and small strawberry.
Oso Grande
Fruit color and flavor tend to be variable.
Camarosa
Fruit is very firm and large, with deep red color but tend to vary in sweetness and flavor intensity.
Albion
This fruit is fairly large and has a deep red exterior and interior with a superior flavor.
Diamante
A large, firm fruit and great flavor with a bright red sheen.
Ventana
Bright red fruit with good flavor, shape and fruit size.
Camino Real
Firm, dark red fruit with a very good flavor.
Aromas
Sweet and juicy strawberry and also very hardy.
Suggested Wine Pairings
Byron Winery
Pinot Blanc 2004
Costa De Oro Winery
Pinot Noir Rosé 2004
Foxen Winery
Chenin Blanc 2002
Cottonwood Canyon Winery
Blanc Noir 2000
Cambria Winery
Late Harvest Viognier 2004
Rancho Sisquoc Winery
Sylvaner 2005
Berry Stands
Costa de Oro/Gold Coast Marketplace
Corner of East Stowell Road and Highway 101, Santa Maria
805·928·2727
DB Specialty Farms
Corner of East Stowell Road and Highway 101, Santa Maria
805·928·9114
Certified Farmer’s Markets
http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com/
Santa Maria
Wednesdays at Town Center West on the corner of Broadway and Main Street
12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Orcutt
Tuesdays at Oak Knolls South on the corner of Clark Avenue and Bradley Road
10 am to 1 pm
Nipomo
Sundays across from the post office on Tefft Street
11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Lompoc
Fridays on South H Street and Cypress
2 pm to 7 pm
Arroyo Grande
Thursdays at Old Port Fisheries on the corner of Brisco and Grande Avenue
3pm to 6 pm
San Luis Obispo
Thursdays at Downtown San Luis Obispo along Higuera Street
6 pm to 9 pm
Avila Beach
Fridays at the Promenade
4 pm to 8 pm
Strawberry Festivals
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival
Strawberries find their ultimate showcase usually on the fourth weekend each April at the Santa Maria Fairpark. The berry bash features strawberry varietal sampling, strawberry desserts, educational exhibits, carnival rides and live entertainment. Be sure to check our event calendar to confirm the dates.
Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival
Held annually in the Village of Arroyo Grande over the Memorial Day Weekend, this event brings thousands of visitors and residents to enjoy activities and entertainment, a variety of craft and display booths, scrumptious strawberry treats and the Strawberry Stampede.
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