Where to cut off strawberries when picking

When picking strawberries, it is recommended to cut them about 1 centimeter above the connection between the stem and the fruit. Retaining some fruit stalks can help extend the shelf life of strawberries while avoiding damage to the plant.

Use clean and sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the strawberry diagonally along the stem when it is fully ripe. The movements should be gentle and avoid squeezing the fruit. When picking, it is best to choose strawberries with bright red skin, no damage, and a bright green stem. Picking on cloudy days or in the early morning can reduce water loss. After picking, immediately place it in a breathable container to avoid direct sunlight. If picked by hand, it may strain the vascular bundles at the fruit stalk, causing the juice to seep out and breed bacteria. Picking on rainy days or before the dew dries can easily cause the fruit to rot, while picking during high temperature periods can accelerate softening and spoilage. Industrial picking will use professional harvesting tools, and for home picking, it is recommended to choose small scissors for more precise operation. Strawberries should be refrigerated as soon as possible after harvesting, and keeping the stem facing down during storage can reduce crushing. Keeping the fruit stem during cleaning can prevent nutrient loss. Simply rinse gently with running water before consumption. Moderate daily consumption of fresh strawberries can help supplement vitamin C and dietary fiber, but those with weak gastrointestinal function should not consume large amounts on an empty stomach.