Sensational Strawberries

May 24

Today we want to celebrate the strawberry. Did you know that the strawberry is the most popular berry in the United States? According to the California Strawberry Commission, California produces enough strawberries to go around the world side by side 15 times! Strawberries are the only fruit to have their seeds on the outside, which number about 200 per strawberry. Botanically speaking, the strawberry belongs to the genus Frageria, a member of the rose family. Frageris is derived from the Latin word, "fragrant."

Nutritional Benefits:

A 12-ounce container of strawberries contains just 97 calories and has no cholesterol, fat, or sodium. Eight strawberries provide 4 grams of fiber, 20% of the daily value for folate, and 140% of the vitamin C that our bodies need every day. That's more than what can be found in one orange. Strawberries are an important source of potassium, one of the minerals featured in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which was developed to decrease blood pressure. Potassium is considered a nutrient of concern by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, because most people simply don't get enough potassium each day.Strawberries also contain several classes of phytochemicals that may help prevent cancer. In a USDA study of seventeen different fruits and juices, strawberries were found to have the greatest total antioxidant capacity. Best of all, strawberries are so delicious that they help you get to 5 fruits and vegetables a day quickly - you can eat them at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They make filling half your plate with fruits and veggies at each meal (one of MyPlate's favorite reminders) a snap!

Buying Tips:

These luscious and sweet berries are available year round, but they are at their peak during spring and summer. The best tasting strawberries are usually the ones you pick yourself or buy from local strawberry fields. Once harvested, strawberries do not ripen further. When choosing strawberries to purchase, look for those that are bright red in color and have a natural sheen with fresh-looking green caps. The size of the strawberry is not important. All strawberries, large and small, are equally sweet and juicy.

Preparation and Storage Tips:

Strawberries should be stored at room temperature if you plan on using them quickly. If not, keep them uncovered or loosely covered in the refrigerator until you need them. They should be washed, with the caps attached, just before using. Strawberries have the best flavor when they are allowed to reach room temperature before serving. They deteriorate rapidly, so they are best eaten within a few days of purchase or picking. If you have an abundance of strawberries, consider freezing them for later use. The best way to freeze strawberries is to individually is to flash-freeze them on a baking pan, then pour the frozen strawberries into storage bags. Frozen or defrosted strawberries are perfect on top of cereal or yogurt. They also make delicious jam, purees, and smoothies.

Measuring Strawberries

1 small basket = 1 pint
1 pint = 3 1/4 cups whole berries
1 pint = 2 1/4 cups sliced berries
1 pint = 1 2/3 cups pureed berries

Preparation Ideas:

Berry Good MorningMix stemmed and halved strawberries with your choice of regular or reduced-fat granola and nonfat plain yogurt. Spoon into bowls and drizzle with honey for a bountiful breakfast or fast afternoon snack.Berry-Licious DessertMix halved strawberries and chunks of honeydew melon with fresh lime juice and finely chopped candied ginger. Sweeten with a little sugar or non-nutritive sweetener, if desired. Cover and refrigerate approximately one half hour to blend flavors. Serve for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.Salsa FrescaFor a mild and flavorful salsa, chop 3 cups strawberries, a mango, an avocado and 1/4 cucumber into chunks and place in bowl. Add 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and a tablespoon of lemon juice; mix well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Serve with fish, shrimp, or baked tortilla chips.By Beth Fontenot, MS, RD.This post is brought to you by the Nutrition Education Store. Check out our wide range of resources today!

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Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.