Interested in selecting delicious strawberries this Summer? Whether you are hand-picking them from the garden or choosing the right carton at the grocery store, this article is for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what foods are right for you and fit your lifestyle and health condition before making nutritional changes.

• Look For 'Bright Red' – Once a strawberry is picked, it doesn't continue ripening like how some other fruits and vegetables might. Select vibrant berries that have minimal green or white coloring, which are indicators that they aren't quite ripe yet.

• Check the Leaves – If you are hand-picking your berries, this won't apply, but if you are purchasing pre-picked strawberries, look for leaves that are still soft and green. This is an indicator of how recently the berries were picked and if they're still fresh. 

• Avoid Wrinkles, Moisture, or Mold – Check the berries for any wrinkles which can indicate that they are old not going to taste as sweet and fresh. Also, look for moisture which can cause the strawberries to spoil and mold quicker.

• Select Plump Berries – Identifying berries that are plump will increase the likelihood of them being juicier and sweeter.

• Shop Local – Berries that are grown locally will likely be fresher since they haven't been shipped a long distance. The further the berries are shipped from, the less fresh they will be.

What do you look for when you purchase or pick strawberries? We want to hear from you! Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

The Paragon Pantry is all about sharing fun recipes, dinner ideas, and kitchen tips that encourage living a healthy and balanced life, not providing medical or nutritional advice. For more information about The Paragon Pantry, visit https://paragonhealthcare.com/the-paragon-pantry/.