Strawberries are one of Americans’ favorite fruits; in fact the average American eats about 8 pounds of strawberries every year! Strawberries typically come into season in June and last through mid-July. These little guys are packed full of nutrition and make great options for a snack, side dish, or dessert.
Did you know that one cup of strawberries actually contains more vitamin C than an orange? Strawberries are packed full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and they are also a great source of fiber. All of the vitamins and minerals in strawberries makes them high in antioxidants that can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Strawberries are also low in calories. In fact, just one cup of these sweet berries is only 50 calories!
Fresh strawberries can be used in a variety of ways for snacks, side dishes, or desserts. Try throwing them into a spinach salad or making a fresh strawberry salsa for a side dish. Strawberries can also make great desserts whether it be in a smoothie, as a fruit kabob, or topped on frozen yogurt.
When picking fresh strawberries be sure to look for plump, firm, and fully red berries. Typically the smaller berries have the most flavor. Remember, strawberries that are picked before they are ripe will not ripen after picking.
Be sure to check your local Farmers’ Market or Berry Farm to get your dose of fresh strawberries and try the recipe below!
Strawberry Mango Kiwi Salsa
Ingredients:
¾ c diced strawberries
½ c diced mango
½ c diced kiwi
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 Tbsp diced red onion
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tsp honey
Juice of 1 lime
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, mango, kiwi, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, honey, and lime juice.
2. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or graham crackers. Refrigerate left overs.
Nutrition Made Simple 