Strawberries Help Support Immune Health
As cool weather returns and people spend more time indoors, preventing cold and flu becomes a top priority. Along with proper handwashing, physical activity and a balanced diet, strawberries can play a sweet role in staying well.
Just 1 cup of sliced strawberries provides 100% of the daily value for vitamin C - making it the perfect pick during cold and flu season. Vitamin C is a critical part of many cellular mechanisms that support healthy immune function. In addition to nutrients such as folate and fiber, strawberries are also a source of polyphenols, like ellagic acid, which has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Here are a few ideas to help educate and engage your shoppers on ways to incorporate California strawberries throughout the cold and flu season:
- Share a fall reset shopping list. Create a week of easy meals with a grocery list to help shoppers ease back into a routine of meal prep, work, school, and extracurricular activities. Show shoppers how to transition from summer to fall with a Strawberry Fall Harvest Salad or thread strawberries on a toothpick with mozzarella cheese for a simple snack idea.
- Add red to a fall spread. Just one serving of 8 strawberries satisfies the recommended daily value for vitamin C. Strawberries will add a pop of color and boost of nutrition to any festive occasion. Highlight strawberry versatility by sharing different ways to enjoy these luscious berries in cool-weather recipes such as a strawberry baked oatmeal or cobbler.
- Promote strawberries as a freezer-friendly food for immune health. As the seasons change, remind shoppers that California strawberries are widely available into the fall. Encourage them to eat or freeze their fresh strawberries soon after purchasing to maximize vitamin C retention. Your shoppers will also be happy to know that both fresh and frozen strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Suggest adding strawberries to a make-ahead frozen smoothie pack for an immune health supporting, grab and go blend.
- Include strawberries in digital and in-store holiday promotions. Offer strawberry-forward recipe ideas to support immune health and spark creativity from Halloween to Valentine’s Day. Explore a complete collection of strawberry recipes here including fun and festive options such as Strawberry Ghosts and Cranberry Strawberry Sauce!
