What is a strawberry?
Strawberries are bright red berries that great to eat in the summer. They are technically aggregate fruits, meaning they form from the multiple ovaries of a single flower.
What do they taste like?
Strawberries have a sweet, slightly tart flavor that can vary in intensity. The darker the berry the sweeter and juicier they tend to be. Strawberries can really vary in flavor depending on the season and locality of the crop. I always try to find in season local organic berries for the best flavor.
What to look for when buying?
Look for strawberries that are bright red and uniform in color. They should be plump, firm, and have a natural shine. Check for any signs of mold, bruising, or mushy spots as they tend to spoil rather fast. Once one berry starts to spoil, it can quickly spread to the rest so it is important to sift through them as soon as you get home to ensure there aren't any sneaky bad berries in the center of the container.
How to best prepare strawberries?
Give them a good rinse under cold water and enjoy raw. They are perfect for salads, desserts, smoothies, jams, and even savory dishes. Some of my favorite ways to use strawberries are strawberry rhubarb compote, salads, chocolate covered or dipping into chocolate, in cakes, smoothies, crumbles, etc.
How to best store at home?
Store strawberries in the refrigerator to extend their freshness. Place them in a shallow container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, and keep them unwashed until you're ready to eat or use them. Another method I have heard people have success with is soaking them in water and a small amount vinegar for 3 minutes, completely drying and storing in a paper towel lined container as well. I have had success with both methods, but what I find most important is to make sure they aren't crammed together so much and to refresh the paper towel frequently. All that said, strawberries really aren't lasting much longer than 5 days or so at peak freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze strawberries by washing, removing stems, and drying them, then laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
If you do happen to leave strawberries in the fridge too long and they go a little soft, these are still GREAT to use in sauces, compotes, jams, smoothies. So please don't throw them out unless they have mold on them.
What is the best season?
In Season strawberries are crucial! They just don't taste as good when they aren't fully in season. The best season for strawberries is late spring to early summer, typically from April to June in the Northern Hemisphere. Strawberries are often available in most stores for a much longer period than this, but the sweetest strawberries are always in season.
Nutritional Benefits
Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in calories. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. They also contain fiber, folate, and potassium. Consuming strawberries can support heart health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
