National California Strawberry Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 22, 2022
Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag
People of all ages celebrate California Strawberry Day.

Where is National California Strawberry Day celebrated?

National California Strawberry Day is celebrated on the first full day of spring of the year. In 2022, California Strawberry Day will be celebrated on March 21 in California.

Who is National California Strawberry Day celebrated by?

California Strawberry Day is celebrated mainly by strawberry lovers from California.

When did National California Strawberry Day first start?

In 1983, National California Strawberry Day was first celebrated. As the name suggests, the occasion began in California itself.

Who started National California Strawberry Day?

The California Strawberry Advisory Board started this day. It is now known as California Strawberry Commission.

History And Timeline

Not only do these berries have an entire day dedicated to them in California, but they also have a rich history behind them. Read on to know more about the history of strawberry plants in California and National California Strawberry Day.

Harvesting In California

1918 saw California beginning to harvest strawberries for the first time. At that time, the farming of strawberries was restricted to small acres of land.

1918

Expansion Of Farming

Los Angeles and Orange Counties hosted 40% of strawberry acreage during this time. It was followed by 25% in the Central Coast, 19% in Sacramento County, and 12% in San Joaquin Valley.

1926

Increase In Acreage

Within this period, the total acreage of strawberries in California increased to more than 20,000 acres (8093.7 ha) from a mere 1100 acres (449.2 ha).

1945-1957

40% Of USA's Strawberries From California

The USA produced 550 million lb (almost 250 million kg) of strawberries in 1957, 40% of which was from California.

1957

Founding Of National California Strawberry Day

The California Strawberry Advisory Board founded the National California Strawberry Day or the California Strawberry Day in 1983.

1983

Traditions And Customs

Strawberries have been a favorite among people since the history of time. Although there are not many customs and traditions linked to the history of this day, people like to celebrate the day while they eat this juicy, fresh, vitamin-packed fruit.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National California Strawberry Day

The most common way to celebrate this day is to eat this fresh fruit in various forms, especially in a dessert, like a strawberry shortcake. People find recipes on the internet to make their favorite dishes from California strawberries.

Facts And Stats

  • This day reminds us that strawberries make great desserts and contain nutrients like vitamin C and folic acid.
  • If one day is not enough to celebrate strawberries, two days should be! There is an entire festival dedicated to the strawberry season, and it is called the California Strawberry Festival.
  • National California Strawberry Day should not be confused with National Strawberry Day, which is celebrated on February 27 every year!

Why are strawberries important to California?

Strawberries contribute to the economy of California by being the fourth-highest crop of value. They also rank sixth among all agricultural commodities in California.

Is California known for strawberries?

Yes, California is famous for being America's highest producer of strawberries accounting for 90% of the country's strawberries.

Who started National California Strawberry Day?

The California Central Advisory Board, now known as the California Strawberry Commission, started this day.

When is National California Strawberry Day?

The day falls on March 21 every year. 

What is the significance of National California Strawberry Day?

This day marks the beginning of the strawberry season in California and how essential strawberries hold in California's economy.

Why do people celebrate National California Strawberry Day?

People celebrate this day to enjoy the fruit that is significant for California and have fun with their family and friends.

How do people celebrate National California Strawberry Day?

Some fun ways to celebrate this day are by eating strawberries, plucking them, or having drinks made out of them.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, March 20, 2020
  • Saturday, March 20, 2021
  • Sunday, March 20, 2022
  • Monday, March 20, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag

Master of Arts specializing in History

Sudeshna Nag picture

Sudeshna NagMaster of Arts specializing in History

Having earned a Master's degree in History from the Presidency University in Kolkata, Sudeshna was able to refine these skills and broaden her knowledge base. Not only is she an accomplished fact-checker, but she is also deeply invested in gender research, societal interactions, and mental health. Her professional repertoire also includes experience in translation between Bengali and English content

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