The Word on Weightloss

The delicious red berry is in season! Full of phytonutrients, vitamins, and fiber, Strawberries are a lovely addition to a healthy diet.

Nutrition Information for Strawberries

Strawberries are a healthy, nutritious fruit. Like most berries, they are high in antioxidants, specifically phenols. Chief among these phenols are anthocyanins, which give the strawberry its red color, and ellagitannins. These phenols contribute to strawberries’ anti-cancer, heart-protecting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Strawberries are also high in vitamin C. One cup of strawberries provides more than 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, and provide the body with significant amounts of vitamin B and some minerals.

Choosing and Storing Strawberries

Strawberries are available in most grocery stores year-round. In the spring, however, better quality strawberries are available at a lower cost. Try farmers’ markets for fresh, juicy strawberries. Or, if you have some time for an enjoyable outing, find a pick-your-own strawberry farm. Picking your own strawberries gives you access to the best and the freshest fruit you’ll find, unless you grow your own garden.

Here are a few tips for choosing and storing the best strawberries:

• Look for fully ripe strawberries. Unlike some other fruits, strawberries do not continue to ripen after they have been harvested. A ripe strawberry should be deep red with little yellow seeds all over. If it has white or pink splotches, the fruit will be sour.
• Choose medium-sized strawberries. Large strawberries are generally not as sweet and juicy as the medium-sized ones.
• Avoid over-ripe berries. Like most berries, strawberries spoil quickly. Avoid ones that are over-ripe, mushy, or moldy.
• Eat the strawberries quickly. Even the best strawberries will not keep for more than a few days. Plan to buy strawberries only a day or two before you will use them.
• Store strawberries in the refrigerator. Before storing, remove any bruised or moldy fruit. Do not wash the fruit prior to storing, as wet fruit spoils quickly.

Using Strawberries

Strawberries are a versatile fruit. They add zest to salads, fruit shakes, deserts, and sauces. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or frozen. These recipes reflect just some of that variety. Try them, and enjoy the luscious spring strawberries.

• For breakfast: Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce
• For lunch: Chicken and Strawberry Salad
• For dinner: Grilled Duck with Strawberry Fig Sauce
• For desert: Strawberry Shortcake
• For a drink: Strawberry Agua Fresca, Strawberry Almond Smoothie

High in vitamin C and anti-oxidant rich, strawberries are a nutritious addition to any healthy diet. Savor the season with strawberries.