If you’re a foodie, you know that food festivals are a great way to discover new dishes and indulge in old favorites. If you’re looking for a festival that will tantalize your taste buds, look no further than the Florida Strawberry Festival. This festival is the best food in town and is held every spring in Plant City, Florida, which is known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. In this article, we’ll highlight 10 mouth-watering Florida Strawberry Festival foods that you can’t miss.
The Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an annual event that has been held in Plant City since 1930. This festival celebrates the strawberry harvest and is a favorite among foodies and families alike. The festival runs for 11 days and features live music, rides, games, and of course, plenty of food.
What Makes Florida Strawberries So Special?
Before we dive into the delicious foods at the Florida Strawberry Festival, let’s take a moment to appreciate why Florida strawberries are so special. Florida is the largest producer of winter strawberries in the United States, and these strawberries are known for their sweet, juicy flavor. Florida strawberries are also high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
10 Mouth-Watering Foods to Try at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Strawberry Shortcake: Let’s start with the classic. Strawberry shortcake is a must-try at the Florida Strawberry Festival. This dessert features fresh Florida strawberries on top of a fluffy shortcake, topped with whipped cream.
Strawberry snowball:
A fresh strawberry flavored snowball is a refreshing icy treat made from finely shaved ice that is flavored with sweet strawberry syrup. The snow-like texture of the ice makes it easy to scoop and melt in your mouth, while the strawberry syrup adds a burst of fruity flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a popular summertime snack that is often found at outdoor events and festivals, and it can be customized with additional flavors or toppings such as whipped cream or fresh fruit. Overall, a fresh strawberry flavored snowball is a delicious and cooling treat that is perfect for a hot day.
Strawberry Milkshake:
A strawberry milkshake is a deliciously creamy and refreshing beverage that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the smoothness of milk and ice cream. To make it, fresh or frozen strawberries are blended with vanilla ice cream and milk until smooth and frothy. The result is a thick and indulgent shake with a beautiful pink color and a sweet, fruity flavor. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of peanut butter for added richness and depth. A classic treat, a strawberry milkshake is perfect for cooling down on a hot day or as a sweet dessert.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries:
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a sweet and indulgent dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with the chocolate dipped strawberries. The strawberries are dipped in melted chocolate, creating a hard and glossy coating that contrasts perfectly with the fruit’s tanginess. These treats are often served as a dessert or given as gifts on special occasions like weddings or Valentine’s Day. Chocolate-covered strawberries can be made with different types of chocolate and can be decorated with various toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts. Some people even pair them with champagne or sparkling wine for a luxurious experience. Overall, these decadent treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and make a beautiful addition to any dessert table or gift basket.
Strawberry Funnel Cake:
Strawberry funnel cake is a beloved dessert that starts with a batter made of flour, sugar, and milk, which is then poured through a funnel into hot oil to create a crispy and fluffy cake. The dessert is then topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The cake has a slightly salty and crispy exterior with a warm, fluffy interior, while the fresh strawberries provide a sweet and tangy burst of flavor. It’s perfect for sharing or as a special indulgence. Whether enjoyed at a carnival or made at home, strawberry funnel cake is a delicious and satisfying treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Strawberry Lemonade:
Strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and flavorful drink made by blending freshly squeezed lemon juice with water, sugar, and fresh strawberries. It can be customized with other ingredients like mint or basil. This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for hot summer days or outdoor gatherings, and it’s a healthier alternative to many sugary drinks. Strawberry lemonade can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite foods. It’s a fun and visually appealing beverage that is perfect for parties or any occasion. Overall, strawberry lemonade is a delicious and refreshing drink that will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Strawberry Pie:
Strawberry pie is a classic dessert made with a sweet and tangy filling of fresh strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and sometimes lemon juice. It is baked in a flaky pie crust and can include a layer of cream cheese or whipped cream for added richness. This visually appealing dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round but is especially popular in the summer when fresh strawberries are in season. Overall, strawberry pie is a comforting and delicious dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Strawberry Cheesecake:
Strawberry cheesecake is another classic dessert made with a graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a layer of fresh strawberry sauce on top. The cheesecake filling is typically made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and is baked until it’s smooth and firm. The strawberry sauce is made by blending fresh strawberries with sugar and a touch of lemon juice, which is then spread over the top of the cheesecake. The result is a deliciously sweet and tangy dessert that is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to formal celebrations.
Strawberry Jam:
Strawberry jam is a sweet spread made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and pectin. The strawberries are cooked down until they break down into a chunky puree, and then mixed with sugar to balance the natural tartness of the fruit. Pectin is added to help the jam thicken and set properly. The result is a deliciously sweet and fruity spread that can be enjoyed on toast, and biscuits, or used as a topping for desserts. Strawberry jam can be made at home or purchased pre-made from grocery stores. It’s a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed year-round but is especially popular during the summer months when fresh strawberries are in season. Overall, strawberry jam is a classic and beloved spread that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Fried Strawberry Shortcake Bites:
Fried strawberry shortcake bites are a unique twist on a classic dessert that involves deep-frying bite-sized pieces of strawberry shortcake. The dessert typically starts with a base of biscuit or shortcake dough, which is mixed with fresh strawberries and sugar to create a sweet and fruity filling. The dough is then cut into small pieces and fried until golden brown and crispy, resulting in a warm and indulgent treat. The dessert is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of whipped cream or strawberry sauce for dipping. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a fun and satisfying dessert for any occasion.
Strawberry Kettle Corn:
Strawberry kettle corn is a sweet and crunchy snack that combines the classic taste of kettle corn with the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries. This treat is made by popping corn kernels in hot oil, then coating them in a mixture of sugar, salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. The result is a light and crispy snack with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Strawberry kettle corn is a popular snack at fairs, festivals, and outdoor events, but can also be made at home for a delicious and satisfying treat.
Don’t Miss the Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a must-visit event for foodies and anyone who loves delicious food. With its focus on fresh, locally sourced Florida strawberries, this festival offers a unique and tasty experience that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking to indulge in classic strawberry shortcakes or try something new like fried strawberry shortcake bites, there’s something for everyone at the Florida Strawberry Festival. So mark your calendars and head to Plant City for a tasty adventure.
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a food lover’s paradise. With 11 days of delicious food and drinks to try, it’s hard to pick just a few favorites. From the classic strawberry shortcake to the unique fried strawberry shortcake bites, there’s something for everyone at the Florida Strawberry Festival.