Click Here to find out where carrots are grown in Florida.
Click Here to download a small version of the Fresh-2-U poster for March.
Click Here to download an image of carrots.
Click Here to download coloring pages for carrots.
Click Here for USDA nutritional information for carrots.

The first mention of carrots in the New World was at Margarita Island, off the west coast of Venezuela, in 1565. Carrots were grown by the colonists at Jamestown, Virginia in 1609, and in Massachusetts in 1629.

In Florida, carrots are an ideal source of vitamin A, with a single carrot providing twice the recommended daily allowance. Carrots are also low in calories and sodium and are a source of potassium.

Select carrots that are firm, fresh, smooth, well shaped, and well colored. Avoid wilted, soft, mushy, or split carrots and check root tips for signs of decay. Use a vegetable peeler and slightly scrape the outside. Trim both ends and cut to the size needed. Slice into carrot sticks, strips, or “coins.” Cover pre-cut or prepared carrots to keep them from drying out. Keep carrots moist, covered, and ventilated.

Florida carrots are available from November through June.

Click Here to find out where strawberries are grown in Florida.
Click Here to download a small version of the Fresh-2-U poster for March.
Click Here to download an image of strawberries.
Click Here to download coloring pages for strawberries.
Click Here for USDA nutritional information for strawberries.

The strawberry was born in North and South America, traveled to Europe, and finally returned in a very different form. In the United States, the commercial development of strawberries has occurred primarily since the Civil War, and most strawberry varieties now grown have originated within the last 55 years. In 2000, Florida ranked number two in the nation in the value of strawberries produced.

A cup of strawberries provides more than the daily recommended allowance of vitamin C. Strawberries are low in sodium. One cup of whole berries has only 55 calories, and is also a good source of dietary fiber. Look for brightly colored, plump berries with a strong scent. Small berries are the tastiest. Rinse berries thoroughly. Remove the hull with a small, sharp knife.

Strawberries don’t ripen after they are picked. Five to seven days is usually the maximum for maintaining fresh strawberries at their quality peak. Do not wash berries before storing.

Florida strawberries are available from October through June.

Click on the months below to view other featured fruits and vegetables.

September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | June

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