It’s time for a tidbit column, a bit of information from here. A bit of information from there.
Let’s start by considering strawberries. Chances are, you have some in your fridge since they are the most popular berry in the United States, found in 94% of all households. (I personally prefer blueberries, but I’m an exception.)
The popularity of strawberries is nothing new; ancient Romans loved strawberries and thought their heart shape symbolized Venus, the goddess of love.
The average American eats about eight pounds of strawberries every year. Younger people in particular especially favor organic strawberries, which account for 12% of total sales.
Organic berries make sense when you consider that conventionally grown strawberries contain a residue from about eight different pesticides.
On a totally different topic, let’s explore the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary, a facility dedicated to eliminating the suffering of pot-bellied pigs by promoting spaying and neutering and providing a permanent home to abandoned, abused, neglected or unwanted pigs, The sanctuary is located near Tucson, Arizona, and is one of my favorite charities. Mary Schanz is the president and co-founder of Ironwood and she claims that this area of Arizona is a lovely place, “with flowering cactus, wild flowers and palo verde trees plus a great variety of wildlife, birds, and yes, even snakes.”
Sounds like a neat place. And I’m sure her piggies need all the help they can get. She takes care of several hundred of the critters.
Maybe I’ll send her a crate of strawberries.
