Market Watch: Strawberries
The perfect way to start your day … a bowl of beautiful berries!
To me, strawberry season is one of the first signs of summer. Their gorgeous, deep red color stands out so brightly among the greens of spring. Sweet and juicy, strawberries are the most popular of the berries and they are in season from late April to early July.
These tasty berries are not only super yummy, they are also super good for you. Low in calories and bursting with vitamin C, strawberries are waistline friendly and an excellent source of immune-boosting antioxidants.
When purchasing, look for small- to medium-sized fruit, as they are tastier. The berries should be bright in color, firm, and mold-free. They are quite perishable, so store them in the refrigerator. Eat them within a few days to preserve their quality.
Try these simple ideas:
- Whole grain waffles or pancakes with yogurt and sliced strawberries
- Part-skim ricotta cheese with lemon zest and fresh strawberries
- Sub sliced strawberries for dried fruit in your salad
- Dress whole strawberries with fresh mint and lime juice
- Add strawberries to your favorite fruit salsa recipe
And my favorite … fresh berries with a crisp and refreshing glass of champagne!
Katie Cavuto-Boyle, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian, chef, and owner of Healthy Bites ToGo Market.Read Katie’s full bio and more about her role at Be Well Philly here.