Gaviota Strawberries
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 5.00
This item was last sold on : 12/02/24
Description/Taste
Gaviota strawberries are a vibrant fruit produced by low-growing plants. These plants have green stems that extend both vertically and horizontally, with trailing stems that the strawberries hang off of. Each Gaviota strawberry weighs about 26 to 28 grams. They display a ruby red color that is deeper than other commercial strawberries and have a taut, smooth, and shiny texture peppered with tiny edible yellow seeds. When opened, Gaviota strawberries reveal a bright red outer edge with a small white oval-shaped outline. Some fruits may be solid, while others may showcase a partially hollow core. The flesh also holds a high moisture content, developing a soft, tender, and aqueous consistency. Gaviota strawberries emit a lingering, sweet scent when ripe and are edible raw. Their flavor is richly sweet yet tart, with fruity nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Gaviota strawberries are available during the spring and summer.
Current Facts
Gaviota strawberries, botanically classified as Fragaria ananassa, are a specialty variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. This cultivar was developed as a hybrid in 1992 and is categorized as a short-day type, which means they produce fruit later in the season. Gaviota strawberries are grown by Harry’s Berries, an organic family-run farm established in 1967 in Oxnard, California. Harry's Berries are also known for cultivating flavorful varieties such as Mara de Bois and Seascape strawberries. Gaviota strawberries are recognized for their tender, succulent flesh, and rich, aromatic, and sweet taste. Since their creation, Gaviota strawberries are a unique varietal not found in commercial markets due to their limited availability and delicate nature. The variety is offered as a seasonal delicacy, enjoyed fresh, or incorporated into a wide array of culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
There is limited information available on the specific nutritional value of Gaviota strawberries. Generally, strawberries are rich in a variety of nutrients, including vitamin C and manganese, which can support immune and skin health, enhance the body's ability to utilize other vitamins, ensure proper liver function, and aid in regulating blood sugar. Strawberries also provide folate and potassium, essential for tissue growth, cell function, and managing blood pressure. Strawberries contain phenolics, which help reduce inflammation, and fiber, beneficial for digestion. Strawberries are rich in over 25 different anthocyanins, which are linked to improved heart health. They contain significant amounts of ellagitannins and ellagic acid, antioxidants that may potentially combat bacteria and reduce cancer risk.
Applications
Gaviota strawberries can be eaten raw, freeze-dried, frozen, or cooked into jams and jellies. They should be picked as close to full ripeness as possible because they do not continue to ripen after being harvested, though they may darken in color and lose some acidity. Gaviota strawberries can be blended into smoothies, used as an ingredient in sorbet or ice cream, or incorporated into fresh desserts like strawberry tarts. Their sweetness enhances pastries, cakes, and desserts such as pavlova—a meringue-based dessert from New Zealand. They also have savory uses, such as in salads with shaved cheese or in a salsa for topping grilled fish or pork. Gaviota strawberries pair well with flavors like avocado, spinach, black pepper, rhubarb, chilis, halibut, rosemary, mint, and salty cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or gorgonzola.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Gaviota strawberries were first developed by the University of California Wolfskill Experimental Orchard in 1992. They were specifically bred to achieve a distinctly sweeter, more tender flavor than most strawberries and to produce a higher quantity of late-season fruit in Central California. Research from the mid-90s indicated that although Gaviota strawberries yield fewer berries per plant compared to the Camarosa variety, they could be planted closer together and potentially lead to higher overall yields. This research also showed that Gaviota strawberries are particularly strong performers later in the season and have a higher tolerance for rain, offering advantages during wetter years by reducing damage to the fruit compared to other types of strawberries.
Geography/History
Though the origins of strawberries can be traced back to 18th-century Europe, the Gaviota strawberry itself was first developed in Northern California during the early 90’s and introduced to the public in 1996. It thrives in arid, subtropical climates with lots of sun. As a hybrid variety, Gaviota strawberries are not found in the wild but are produced on small farms. They gained popularity due to their sweet and juicy characteristics, attracting attention from chefs and gourmet fruit enthusiasts. However, their delicate nature and short shelf life limit their commercial appeal to large grocers, making them more commonly available at specialty stores and farmers' markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Mabel's Gone Fishing | San Diego CA | 619-228-9851 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Fish & Things Poke Bar | San Diego CA | 916-995-1555 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-723-8183 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Oliver & Rose | San Diego CA | 619-300-3395 |
| Copper Kings | San Marcos CA | 323-810-1662 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Amiga de la Vina | San Diego CA | 619-990-6124 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
| Cucina Urbana (Bar) | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Gaviota Strawberries. One
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