I am fascinated by fairs. Moreso, if it highlights a certain agricultural product. Just recently, I visited the Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet. I am amazed at how products and ideas sprout from one small, red fruit.
From innovative signs and products, I am captivated. Strawberry products dominate the fair. One can’t just roam around without at least tasting some of the products displayed. Notable of which are strawberry baked products which include among others: strawberry shortcake, kisses, cookies, snowballs, revel bar, cream puff, cinnamon, delight, sans rival. Others were a combination of other raw materials: strawberry-banana cake, strawberry-kamote bread, strawberry camote cake which they call “Dukto tan dut”, strawberry-raisin bread, strawberry-blueberry cake and kale-strawberry cookies.
Other innovative products I saw are: strawberRice, tacos with strawberry sauce and fresh fruit, chicken n’ berry, sautéed pork with chili strawberry sauce, sweet strawberry relish, and many more. Drinks are also varied. I love the sign that said Strawberry Freak Shake, Hot Strawberry Chayen, Strawberry Matcha, swirl, frost, frappe, yoghurt, and strawberry fudge sauce.
Of course, the traditional strawberry ice cream, strawberry preserve and jam, strawberry wine, strawberry salad are found in every nook and cranny of the fair grounds.
Strawberries are juicy and delicious, whether you eat it processed or fresh. Each berry is packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants offering a wide array of health benefits. According to organicfacts.net, the health benefits of strawberry include improved eye care, proper brain function, relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, and various cardiovascular diseases. The polyphenolic and antioxidant content of strawberries makes them good for improving the immune system, preventing various types of cancers and for reducing the signs of premature aging.
Walking around the area, I saw products of the recently concluded contest on flower with strawberry arrangement. The artistry is fantastic.
In another side, I saw a Kiddie Salon and Strawberry Shortcake Salon and Spa offering a Kiddy Strawberry pampering Package. The package includes hand spa with strawberry nail art, kiddie facial with strawberry and milk mask and even a strawberry token.
It was an eye opener for me. One single fruit was able to inspire creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of a community. The possibilities of creating new products are bouncing in my brain right now.
Going back home, I will be looking at every fruit or crop that I have in our farm with a new eye.
Viva La Trinidad! Long live the strawberry.