𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗬’𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘

Mar 16
2 min read

In a battle of varieties, Benihoppe and Sweet Sensation reigned supreme during the Search for the Sweetest and the Heaviest Strawberry yesterday, March 13.

Using a refractometer to measure the fruit’s sugar content, Mac Jalal Espiritu’s Benihoppe, scored an average of 14.07 Brix degrees topping the leaderboard.

On the other hand, Jandy Buya’s Sweet Sensation weighed a whopping average of 50g surpassing all other entries.

In their winning speeches, Espiritu addressed fellow farmers and the community, encouraging everyone to continue strawberry cultivation.

As for Buya, he shared how the Sweet Sensation was not able to thrive in cooler elevation, thus in his attempt to merely revive the variety, landed him indeed in the sweetest top spot.

Studies show that strawberries regularly show a sweetness between 9.36 and 12.87 Brix, while average ones weigh 10-20 grams per berry.

Mayor Roderick Awingan, in his message, highlighted the essence of sustaining strawberry production in the valley and how vital the youth is in continuing the legacy of La Trinidad.

Meanwhile, Councilor Nestor Fongwan Jr., Committee Chairperson shared his aspirations for the municipal government to be able to put up a Technology Demonstration Farm. “We appreciate and support Benguet State University for their initiatives in assisting our farmers, but it would be best to have an LGU-owned facility so that more tourists may learn about the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines,” he added.

Despite these efforts, there has been a constant decline in strawberry farmers, as vegetable production remains a more viable livelihood due to its prolonged growing season.

Aside from the winning berries, the competition featured four other varieties, Sweet Charlie, Winter Dawn, White Strawberry, and Nyou Ho.

All 60 participants received cash prizes and certificates.

The winners their scores and farm location are as follows:

Sweetest

Top 5

🥇Mac Jalal Espiritu - 14.07° (Toyong, Pico)

🥈Robert Jan Allan - 13.03° (Strawberry Farm)

🥉Julius Mico - 12.33° (Toyong, Pico)

🎖Kenlyn Ambo - 12.23° (Strawberry Farm)

🎖Zenaida Balud - 10.83° (Toyong, Pico)

Heaviest

Top 5