Why We Love Strawberries by Toby Amidor in Healthy Recipes, In Season, May 4, 2011
- Strawberry and Fava Bean Salad - Image Courtesy the California Strawberry Commission
Strawberries are delicious, juicy and in season now! These nutrient-packed red gems are one of our favorites — here’s why.
Strawberry Facts
Part of the rose family, strawberries are a favorite fruit among both children and adults. Strawberries are one of the only fruit where the seeds are found on the outside as opposed to the inside (like a peach or apple).
Strawberries were grown in the wild for centuries in the U.S. and Europe. Today they’re produced throughout the world including Canada, France, Australia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. Peak season in the U.S. runs from April through September.
Nutrition Info
Eight fresh strawberries contain only 50 calories and 3 grams of soluble fiber. They’re brimming with antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanins which also give berries their gorgeous red and blue colors. According to a recently-published report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, strawberries ranked third on a list of more than 1,000 foods antioxidant-rich foods. Only blackberries and walnuts have more.
According to a 2011 study conducted at Ohio State University, strawberries may also play a role in preventing colon and esophageal cancer. Although the study was done on mice, results look promising and the school is conducting further research.
Fun Ideas
These red beauties are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some creative ways to use them:
- Use as a substitute for tomatoes in a recipe for salad or salsa
- Toss sliced berries onto a bed of greens
- Substitute pureed strawberries for part or all of the vinegar in a salad dressing
- Top fish, pork or chicken with trawberry salsa
- Freeze whole strawberries and use as “ice cubes” in cocktails
Recipes to Try:
- Heart-Shaped Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Mango Strawberry Snow Cones
- Strawberry-Thyme Jam
- Strawberry Fruit Leather
- Macerated Strawberries
- Strawberry with Basil Granita
- Berry Trifle with Amaretto
- Strawberry and Fava Bean Salad (courtesy of California Strawberry Commission)
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby’s full bio »
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We love them in good old fashion strawberry shortcake and just by the handfulls! yumm…… texas ds
Love them plain! Sliced over Angel Food Cake w/whipped cream! Dipped in Chocolate for a special treat! Strawberry Jam is a favorite in our house.
I love them PLAIN & pop them in my mouth on the way to work a couple days a wk. DELISH!!!!
My favorite way is so easy. Just wash thoroughly under your sprayer, leaving on the leaves. Pick up by the leaves, dip in a small bowl of either artificial sweetner or sugar and enjoy. After eating a couple, if the strawberries are sweet enough, leave off the sweetner or sugar. Cassie Sue
I love to make old fashioned strawberry custards.
Hi, Is there a recipe or two you'd like to share? Sounds wonderful?
i love to make strawberry pie.sooooo good.
washed & hulled. that's it!
I found the most delicious DARK CHOCOLATE balsamic vinegar, and its heaven on fresh strawberries. Tastes like I'm totally cheating, but no guilt -and I could eat it all day long!
Hi, where do you buy the Dark Chocolate balsamic vinegar?
I put 3/4 c. low fat cottage cheese, 100 g. (about 3-4 oz.) of chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a dish and add Stevia powder to taste. Stevia is all natural, and much healthier and safer than using artificial sweetners. I could eat this every day!
I like strawberries fresh out of the garden with nothing on them.