Phytochemicals give colour, flavour and smell to plants. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds found in plant foods, which have been shown to act as antioxidants and may decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease. Strawberries contain several classes of phytochemicals including flavonoids, ellagic acid and other phenolic acids. When selecting berries look for the ones that are firm, yet fully ripe. Strawberries without caps should not be purchased, as they may be overripe and not good quality.
Fresh strawberries are highly perishable and delicate.
Store ripe berries in the refrigerator, but do not remove the caps or wash the berries until you are ready to use them. Washing early tends to bruise them and the berries lose their freshness. Leave caps on during washing to prevent water from soaking into the strawberry, diluting the flavour and changing the texture. Wash berries gently in cold water. Remove caps by giving them a gentle twist, or use the point of a sharp paring knife.