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Fun Facts
This fragrant member of the rose family is a very unusual fruit. Technically, it's not a berry at all, because its seeds -- almost 200 of them -- are on the outside of the fruit. Originally found wild in temperate regions of the world, ancient Romans used them to treat kidney stones, fever and bad breath! They were also an important part of the Native American diet long before the Europeans arrived. Now strawberries are so adored in the U.S. that we eat more than 3 pounds per person every year!
Star Power
Strawberries are stuffed with over 100% of the daily RDA for vitamin C, so you know they're going to pump up your immune system. They're big on manganese, too, a mineral that's good for connective tissue, bone building and efficient blood clotting. And those tiny seeds on the outside of every strawberry? They're are a great source of fiber, for better sugar regulation and smooth digestion. Did you know that the flavor of each berry depends on the weather, variety and how ripe it is when picked?
Quick Preps
PREPARE: Wash strawberries in cold water, then cut off the green tops. Keep whole, cut in half, or mash.
- Eat whole strawberries for a sweet snack or dessert.
- Mix halved strawberries with 1 tbsp. maple syrup and top with coconut whipped cream for a healthy dessert.
- Add strawberries to oatmeal and yogurt.
- Add sliced strawberries to a green salad.
Fun Tip
Go strawberry picking! It's fun and delicious!
Star-Powered Recipe
Strawberry Sweetcakes
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Method
- Combine all ingredients, except the strawberries and coconut oil, in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add more coconut milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil.
- Scoop ¼ cup pancake mixture per pancake onto the skillet, then place strawberries in each pancake. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, until the edges are brown, then flip and cook another 4 minutes. Repeat until the batter is used up.
- Top with more fresh strawberries, slivered almonds and maple syrup.
How to Store
Fresh: Keep in refrigerator for up to 7 days in original container. To freeze: Rinse, then dry strawberries. Slice off tops, then place on a lined cookie sheet cut side down. Put in freezer until frozen, usually a few hours. Transfer frozen strawberries to airtight containers or freezer bags and store for up to a year.
How It Grows
Strawberry plants are generally small with a crown of dark green leaves that grow close to the ground.
Peak Seasons
Spring, summer
Varieties
Alinta, Allstar, Alpine, Chandler, Earlyglow, Toscana, Ruby Ann, Merlan, Fresca