California strawberries triumph in Beijing

The New York Times reported that China's ban on California strawberries has been lifted during the Olympics at the request of athletes who know what's good for them.

Chinese farmers produce strawberries for just two months of the year; California offers them year-round. This week the state sent 450 pounds of berries, the first of 35 or so shipments, officials said, according to the Times article.

In the brief story, writer Jennifer Steinhauer apparently didn't have the space to mention the key role University of California scientists have had in developing California's robust strawberry industry. About 80 percent of the strawberry varieties grown on 30,000 acres in California, stretching from San Diego County to San Mateo County, were developed by University of California breeders. For more on the UC connection with California strawberries, see this UC Delivers article.

California strawberries

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