“Almost every third Austrian strawberry comes from Upper Austria cultivation, in total between 2,500 and 3,000 tons are harvested in this country every year,” says Franz Waldenberger, President of the Chamber of Agriculture. For around 80 family farms in this country, the production of strawberries is an essential part of the business. The strawberry farmers serve both the food chains and private consumers. The pick-it-yourself idea – i.e. the “strawberry countries” – originated in Upper Austria. Self-harvested fruits are the prime example of successful direct marketing. Strawberry fields can be found from the Inn and Hausruckviertel to the foothills of the Traunviertel to the central area, the Machland and the higher elevations of the Mühlviertel.
Ideal temperature: 25 degrees
“Everyone will find farmers direct marketers or grocers in their living environment who offer the strawberries of our farming families.”
During the ripening period, the red fruits love a moderate climate, sufficient moisture and constant temperatures of around 25 degrees. “The conditions were really perfect this year – we expect the best quality,” says Waldenberger.
In the past two harvest seasons, direct marketing experienced a real upswing due to the corona crisis. “Many new consumers came during the crisis in order to stay. Also this year we want to offer the strawberries for self-picking with mobile stands, at farmers’ and weekly markets as well as in our farm shops and in self-service machines,” says the spokesman for the strawberry direct marketers, Andreas Hoffelner from Kremsmunster.
Full of flavor and low in calories
The fact that the red fruits taste delicious is undisputed. This indulgence is also good for your health. Strawberries have more vitamin C than lemons and oranges. With their calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and copper content, they are a mineral reservoir. In addition, the fruits contain polyphenols. 150 grams have only 50 calories.
Source: Nachrichten
