“Eat the Rainbow!” is Sprout Organics’ ongoing blog series dedicated to reminding parents of the importance of feeding their kids a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables daily. Why? Because feeding them fruits and veggies of different colors every day is the simplest way to make sure they get the full range of nutrients their growing bodies need.
To berry or not to berry
Fun fact: from a botany POV, a strawberry isn’t an actual berry! It’s technically an “accessory fruit,” but we’ll let you explore that on your own if you’re interested.
We love the strawberry for its bright, juicy, sweetness that marks the beginning of summer. It has a long history of cultivation, with the modern “garden strawberry” we are used to seeing in the produce section first being cultivated in Europe during the 18th century.
The berry best for immune support
Strawberries pack in the Vitamin C. Ounce for ounce, it actually has more Vitamin C than oranges! A 3.5 oz serving typically contains nearly 60 mg of Vitamin C, compared to an orange’s average of about 50 mg. Vitamin C is a powerhouse for supporting the immune system and skin health.
These red gems are rich in potassium, fiber, and folate, which all contribute to a healthy heart. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure, while fiber and folate can help to reduce cholesterol levels.
Strawberries also contain high levels of antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and quercetin. These antioxidants are known to help reduce inflammation, protect against cancer, and prevent damage to your cells caused by free radicals.
Starting healthy habits early helps our little sprouts get the nutrients they need to thrive. Even sweet, juicy strawberries contribute to a healthy, well-balanced diet.
But is there such thing as too much of a good thing?
Strawberries have become so popular that to maintain their presence at the grocery store year-round, most non-organic strawberries are grown often using up to 20 different pesticides. In fact, a USDA study showed that strawberries are the most likely fresh produce item to be contaminated with pesticides, even after being rinsed.
That’s why Sprout only uses USDA Certified Organic strawberries in our foods. Organic means the strawberries are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.
Sprout ❤️ strawberries
Here at Sprout Organics, our mission is to help your little sprout get the healthy head start they deserve by providing convenient pouches, snacks, and meals made with only organic ingredients. Our wide range of offerings allows your little one to try new flavors and textures while you can rest easy knowing that they’re getting quality, organic ingredients.
Check out some of our favorite strawberry-filled foods:
Peanut Butter & Strawberry PB & Yayz Toddler Snack
Strawberry, Pear & Banana Pouch for 6+ Months
Power Pak Superblend Pouch for 12+ Months
Red Fruit Beet & Berry Crispy Chews Snack
Sources
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/strawberries.php
https://www.britannica.com/plant/strawberry
