DESIRABLE CHARACTERS IN A VARIETY 171 



Seeds. — Part of the color effect of a strawberry, and 

 part of its shipping quaHty as well, is due to the abundance, 

 size, color and position of the seeds. If there are many 

 seeds, and especially if they are crowded close together 

 near the apex, the berries look seedy and unattractive. 

 The seeds should be inconspicuous, few and small, cer- 

 tainly not over 1§ per cent of the total weight. Bright yel- 

 low seeds are most attractive, especially if the berries are to 

 be canned. If the seeds protrude slightly or are flush with 

 the surface, the flesh is protected somewhat and the berry 

 carries to market better than if the seeds are sunk into pits. 



Flesh and shipping quality. — White flesh is decidedly 

 objectionable. If the skin is broken slightly in handling, 

 the berry looks unattractive. Dark red flesh is preferable. 

 If the variety is to be canned, it is imperative that the 

 flesh be dark red to the center and hold its color well after 

 being cooked. 



The texture of the berry is of special importance in these 

 days of long distance shipment. Fifty years ago some 

 varieties were described as "melting"; the flesh was so 

 soft that it dissolved readily in the mouth. Manifestly 

 these sorts were valuable only for home use. Now, most 

 strawberries are shipped long distances and firmness is 

 imperative. Firmness is especially desirable in berries 

 grown for canning ; those that lose their shape after being 

 cooked sell poorly. 



Shipping quality is considered more important in a 

 wholesale market variety than high flavor. Shipping 

 value does not depend altogether on the firmness of the 

 flesh. Juiciness, solidity of core, texture of skin, position 

 and abundance of seeds and an inherent ability to stand 

 rough treatment after picking, all help to determine 

 whether a variety is a good or poor shipper. These are 



