Thursday, July 21, 2011

In Season: Strawberries

Strawberries might just be the most versatile berry. The taste goes well with citrus, melons...chocolate and so much more! It's berry picking season and I try to get out to Bella Organic Farm every couple of weeks to pick heaps of strawberries. I love the berries best in my tropical spinach salad (with banana and mango or pineapple dressing), but smoothies come in a close second.


Reap the Benefits:
valuable source of antioxidants
> improved blood sugar regulation
> anti-inflammatory
> cardiovascular support
> prevention of certain types of cancers


**Both underripe and overripe strawberries have been shown to have lower vitamin C content and decreased phytonutrient content in comparison to optimally ripe strawberries.

Strawberries: A History
It wasn't until the 18th century that strawberry cultivation was pursued in earnest. In 1714, a French engineer "discovered" a large breed of strawberry in the Peru/Chile region and brought back samples to grow in France. The berry didn't flourish until a natural crossbreeding occurred between this species and a neighboring North American variety that was planted nearby. The result: large, juicy strawberries <3

How to Select & Store:
Choose berries that are firm, plump, free of mold, and which have a shiny, deep red color and attached green caps. Since strawberries, once picked, do not ripen further, avoid those that are dull in color. 

Storage Time? 2 days MAX (without major loss of vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants). Tip: Lower temp in your fridge to 36-38 degrees F.

**WHFoods

Eat Up!

Strawberry Spinach Salad by Miso Vegan
Strawberry Smoothies by Healthy Happy Life
Apple Breakfast Crisp by Oh She Glows
Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie @ Cooking Recipes Food Guides
Quinoa Porridge with Pecans, Toasted Coconut & Strawberries
Vegan Gingerbread Sandwich by Chocolate-Covered Katie
Strawberry Banana Pudding by The Vegan Mouse

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