Strawberries: A Love Affair
According to folklore, if two people cut and share a strawberry, they will fall in love. The strawberry was known to be the fruit of love and fertility long before the idea of Valentine’s Day was conceived. Either way, I will admit, I love strawberries. When in season, and the season is now, this robust and beautiful red berry is sweet, firm, and tender all at once. Wild strawberries are aromatic in nose and in flavor and cultivated, organic strawberries are juicy, luscious, and delightfully sugared. I adore all kinds of berries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries but no berry feels so familiar and comforting like a strawberry. Just think of strawberries with whipped cream, or strawberry shortcake or strawberry jam or simply eaten on their own. They pair so well with other foods like rhubarb, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil or mint, dark chocolate, yogurt, and beyond.
Strawberries are also a nutrient-rich powerhouse. High in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. They are said to decrease the risk of heart attacks if eaten regularly due to their high levels of quercetin, ellagic acids, and other phenolic compounds, inhibiting the formation of LDL cholesterol, the kind we don’t want. Strawberries are also rich in iodine and may boost brain function. Applying strawberries to the skin via a homemade mask or used in skin formulations may protect the skin from UV radical-induced skin damage. Despite the sweetness of a strawberry berry, it is actually low on the glycemic index and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Due to strawberries’ high C content, they may also boost the immune system. There are so many other health benefits you can look up online. Plenty of great reasons to eat this summer berry.
Over the next week and a half, I will be posting 5 strawberry recipes and strawberry inspiration. Some recipes are brand new to the site and others are from the archives. I hope you enjoy them all. Let me know which is your favorite.
