Berry Bliss: Exploring the Delights of Strawberries
April showers brings May flowers… and strawberries! May is National Strawberry Month – what a sweet way to start this month. Did you know that strawberries are not actually berries? Fun fact: They are actually part of the rose family and grow from a single flower with more than one ovary, making them an aggregate fruit. In contrast, true berries stem from one flower with one ovary and typically have several seeds.
Bursting with flavor and loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries are a versatile ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Let’s dive into the nutrition benefits of strawberries and explore some creative ways to incorporate them into your snacks and meals.
Strawberries are surprisingly rich in essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. Moreover, strawberries are jam-packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which give the fruit its red color.
Did you know? The redder the berry, the more antioxidants it contains! Meaning, as strawberries ripen, the amount of anthocyanins increases. Anthocyanins are linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and enhanced immune function. “Eat the rainbow” is a phrase we have all heard a lot over the last few years, so with just a handful of strawberries, you can give your body a nutritious boost!
Thanks to their remarkable vitamin C content, strawberries play a vital role in supporting a healthy immune system. Just one serving, which is about 8 berries, has more vitamin C than an orange! Since your body cannot produce this vitamin, consuming strawberries regularly (and other sources of vitamin C) can help strengthen your body’s defenses against infections and illnesses, keeping you feeling vibrant and energized year-round.
Now that we’ve explored the health benefits of strawberries, let’s get creative in the kitchen! They are versatile and can be used fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or cooked. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Strawberry Parfait - Layer Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries and granola or chia seeds for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Quinoa, Strawberry, Avocado Salad – A simple and light lunch or side that explores sweet and savory flavors.
Berry Blast Smoothies – Customize your smoothies to your liking by adding in different berries, fruits, or even vegetables!
Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bar – Bake up this whole-grain, fruit-based dessert to make the most of your berry haul.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – Enjoy this classic combination, boasting complementary flavors and tons of vitamins and minerals.
Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta – A delicious snack or dessert, sure to steal the spotlight at the table!
Incorporating strawberries into your diet is not only a delicious endeavor but also a smart choice for your overall health and well-being. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended, or cooked, these juicy gems are sure to brighten up your meals and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. So why not indulge in nature’s sweet gift and savor the goodness of strawberries today?
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Multimedia content and article by Dominika Mroz, Dietetic Intern. Reviewed by FLIK Dietitians.
At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.
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