Two-hundred edible seeds adorn the heart-shaped crimson exterior of plump strawberries. Beloved in desserts and jellies, this fabulous fruit is a sweet addition to salads.  And because a cup of this luscious summer snack contains antioxidant flavonoids and a full day’s dose of Vitamin C, serving these blushing berries is truly a gift of love.

Red ornaments adorning seas of jagged-edged trefoil leaves cover 35,000 acres of California soil, producing the bulk of our nation’s supply. A third of this land is in the coastal climate around Monterey Bay, which offers ideal growing conditions.

The industry established its first Integrated Pest Management strategies almost five decades ago, and more recently, partnered with UC Santa Cruz’s agroecology researchers to find alternatives to methyl bromide, a fumigant used to battle a soil pathogen.

This weekend, cash in on the county’s number one cash crop at the Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival in Watsonville’s Ramsay Park, Friday Aug. 1 through Sunday Aug. 3. Twelve pie-eating contests throughout the weekend are open to berry lovers of all ages. Arrive early and sign up at the information booth.

The main stage will feature more than 15 musical acts from Blues to the Chicano all stars. There will be food, artisan and craft booths as well as a carnival for your enjoyment.

There is no parking available at Ramsay Park, but shuttles will run from Pajaro Valley High School. Or, from Santa Cruz and points south, Metro buses travel to Main Street, Watsonville, including routes 71 via Clifford from downtown Santa Cruz, and 69W from downtown and the Capitola Mall.

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