An annual tradition of strawberry inspiration is back in the state of Sunshine, highlighting the “winter capital of the United States” and the community that cultivates this gentle culture.
The 90th Florida Strawberry Festival started on Thursday in Plant City and continues until March 9 with matches, rides, cattle shows, crafts and more strawberry dishes that could be imagined. This year, large -scale concerts (prices vary) include Reba Mcéntire (closed windows), Lauren Daigle, Boyz II Men, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys and John Fogerty.
While the headliners turn out to be a large draw, as well as family games, half-chemin trips, entertaining shows and information displays, the focal point of this fair is really food.
During the first day of the event, my companion and I have given the mission to try several dishes infused with strawberries, from salty to very sweet.
The strawberry lemonade coated with chocolate, the Strawberry Strawberry Shortcake, the Macaron and the smoked cheese, the Cuton -Strawberry Cannolis funnel, a strawberry salad dog and strawberry wings are all among the strengths of the food listed for this year’s fair. Festival-Festivals, prepare your taste buds: there is a lot to try there.
Walnuts mixed with strawberries
Our first taste for strawberry flavor was a coating on a small bag of mixed nuts, similar to that which we would find at Buc-Ee. We found them at the front of the Candyland warehouse tent, where visitors can travel a wide selection of old -fashioned candies.
With a combination of pacan, almonds and cashews, the nuts were mainly sweet but a little salty and salty with a satisfactory crunch. These have proven to be a sweet snack to start our taste buds and a good treat to enjoy in small handles while wandering on the festival field and familiar with the development of the event.
Price: $ 5.85
Sweet strawberry salad
In a search for something healthy to eat in a sea of ​​fair fried food, we found a refreshing salad of sweet missions, located in the Softub Spas crossroads. The bakery also sells strawberry cookies, a dessert cup and fogs, among others.
A vinaigrette vinaigrette has overcome a bed of green leafy vegetables, which have been completed by fresh strawberries, pacans and cheese on top. I had the impression that the dish would make a good aperitif in a restaurant menu and was a good break from all the calorie food that we would eat later.
Price: $ 8
Milk-Shake Strawberries
It was difficult to resist the temptation to pass right in front of the Brandon Farms stand and not to buy one (or two) of their sweet strawberry treats. So we did not make and appreciated a milk-shake with fresh and creamy strawberries.
We noted that the color was less pink fuchsia than your average ice bought in stores, but also the pieces of the real strawberry in the drink. Not that a Milk-Shake could be conside
Price: $ 10
Strawberry pizza
Another menu articles by Brandon Farms was a strawberry pizza, which stung our interest. It appeared in the form of a strawberry cheese cake deconstructs with additional filling on the top.
The crust had only a suspicion of salt, which completed the garnish of the berries and the cheesecake. Fortunately, the dish did not lessen on the strawberries.
Price: $ 6
Strawberry wings
The Grub & Go catering truck serves fried catfish, beef tails, jerk chicken and more. The strawberry wings were intriguing to see listed in the menu and looked like a good starter after several smaller snacks.
The wings were crisp and well done with a slightly sweet frosting which had a subtle strawberry flavor. The suspicion of strawberry completed the savory flavors with corn bread and vegetables on the side.
Price: $ 15
Strawberry shortcakes of the Catholic Church of Saint-Clément
Although there are several places to find strawberry links on the festival’s field, the stand of the St. Clement Catholic Church seems to be the most popular. The tradition of the longtime festival allows customers to build their own shortcake with strawberry and whipped cream balls. A volunteer at the end of the line plunges a cool strawberry on top.
Customers can choose from a cake or a cookie as a basis. We chose the spongy cake, which completed well with the strawberry garnish and the fluffy whipped cream. Everything had just the right texture and good taste with a touch of red color and a strawberry flavor. The experience of building yours is also cool. It turned out to be the right way to end our experience at Florida Strawberry Festival.
Price: $ 6
Find me @PCONNPIE on Instagram or send me an e-mail: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
If you leave
The Florida Strawberry Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. March to 303 Berryfest Place de Plant City. The festival entry is $ 15 per adult and $ 5 per child aged 6 to 12. Children aged 5 and under come for free with paid adult admission. Concert tickets cost a supplement. More information: 813-752-9194 or Flstrawberryfestival.com
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