The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the harvest this month and next is expected to total
4,200 tons, based on USDA agricultural statistics. That is an increase of 2,600 tons from last season's damaged crop.
Virginia grows a wide variety of the sweet fruit. They include the brilliant Red Haven, the red-and-orange-yellow Crest Haven, and the White Lady. That variety is white with a creamy flesh and mild flavor.
The 2006 harvest was valued at more than $3 million.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)