Strawberries and sunshine

MILAN TWP. — Late spring means strawberries in Ohio, and the best way to enjoy them is to either pick your own or buy some freshly picked delicacies at a roadside farm stand. Moonlite Farms on Ohio 113, just north of the city of Norwalk, is one such option. Started six years ago by husband and wife team John and Tiffany Rufo, the farm is billed as a "first-generation farm operation." The name Moonlite refers to their holding "regular jobs while we farm in our free time," according to Tiffany. In addition to the strawberry patch in the front of the house, they also raise corn, soybeans and wheat. More about strawberries Strawberries are packed with nutrition. An average size serving of strawberries, 1/2 cup or about eight medium-sized berries, will provide an individual with more vitamin C than one medium-sized orange, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A serving of strawberries can also provide you with 16% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber. When selecting strawberries, people should look for full red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh. Choose fully ripe berries. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked. The caps should be bright green, fresh-looking and fully attached. Berries should be dry and clean; usually medium to small berries have a better eating quality than large ones. Avoid berries with large uncolored or seedy areas or those with a dull, soft look. Proper handling and storage of strawberries will ensure best quality and enjoyment. Use berries as soon after purchase as possible and remove the berries from their container once home. Leaving the caps on the berries, sort and gently arrange them in a single layer on a cookie sheet or other small container. Store in the refrigerator immediately. Just before serving, wash them gently under running cold water in a colander.