North Carolina designated the strawberry (genus fragaria) as the official red berry of the state in 2001. The blueberry (genus vaccinium) was also recognized as the state blue berry. Both berries are grown throughout North Carolina and consumers can pick their own berries at farms from one end of tthe state to the other.

Strawberries (genus fragaria) are high in Vitamin C and A, and supply 8 percent of the recommended daily allowance for iron. One cup of fresh berries has only 60 calories and zero grams of fat.

strawberries photo by Brian Prechtel / USDA Agricultural
Research Service Image Gallery: Fruits and Veggies

Strawberries and blueberries are important to the agricultural economy of North Carolina. Strawberries brought in over $19 million in 2005 and blueberries over $37 million. According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina was ranked 3rd in the nation in 2006 in strawberry production, and 5th in blueberry production.

Row of strawberries at Ingrams Strawberries in North Carolina -
photo © Marsha Ellison on Flickr (used by permission)