All About Strawberries

Sweet juicy strawberries are one of our favourite fresh summer treats!  This is why we’ve decided to feature them for the month of June.

When you select your strawberries, look for bright red ones with a fresh green cap (commonly referred to as the “hull”). The berries should be firm. Once picked, strawberries do not ripen. When you get the strawberries home, remove them from the basket and remove any spoiled berries. Do not wash or hull the berries until you are ready to eat them. Berries are best stored in a single layer on paper towel, uncovered. Berries should be consumed quickly, since they only last for about 3 days. When strawberries are in season, consider buying large quantity and freezing them. To freeze, wash and dry strawberries by patting them gently with paper towel. Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour). Place them in a freezer bag, remove as much air as you can from the bag and store in the freezer for up to a year.

Wash strawberries gently under running water at gentle pressure. Keep the hulls attached until after the strawberries are cleaned. Dry the strawberries immediately by patting them gently with paper towels. If you are serving the strawberries whole, you can leave the hulls on. If you are slicing or quartering strawberries, remove the hulls first and then slice or quarter.

Local strawberries are delicious so take advantage when they are available! Strawberries are sweet and can be served raw for dessert or used in a salad. They can also be added to pancakes, muffins or crepes, or used to dip.  They are available from June to September though timing will vary across the country.

Seven strawberries contain only 27 calories and are high in Vitamin C and a source of fibre and folate.

Here are some of our favourite strawberry recipes

Strawberry Mango Feta Toast Diced strawberries, mango and feta cheese provide the perfect balance of sweet, savoury and tangy for quick and colourful brunch or lunch!

Strawberry Mini Muffins Pop these little bite size morsels in lunch for a fresh tasting strawberry flavour that’s great for you! Little muffins are perfect for little hands.

Strawberry Arugula Salad from Chef Michael Smith: This salad features the perfect combination of peppery, nutty arugula and sweet, fragrant strawberries!

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam  from Anna Banana: Delicious rhubarb and strawberry jam with hints of cardamom and vanilla.

Fruit and Corn Salsa from Averie Cooks:  This salsa is packed with fresh blueberries corn, strawberries and jalapeno!  Ready in five minutes.

What are some of your favourite strawberry recipes?