This is such a wonderful time of year. The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and strawberries are in season. There is nothing like a local, organic strawberry picked fresh the same day. The picture above is not from stock, but is a photo of the organic strawberries picked fresh from Upper Pond and New Mercies farms, here in the Lyme-Old Lyme area. Conventional (non-organic) strawberries have been #1 on the Dirty Dozen list since the list was created several years ago, containing some of the highest amounts of pesticide residue. These pesticides and chemicals are also found systemically (can't be washed off). Industrial farmed organic strawberries are not much better. Buy your strawberries local, organic local when available. I would like to stay focussed on yummy strawberries; for more information on the Dirty Dozen please click on the button below, and scroll down below the button to read more about the nutritional value of strawberries and how to store and prepare them.
Strawberries are high in vitamin C. They also contain large amounts of folate (B9), manganese, potassium, iodine, and fiber. Strawberries have high amounts of antioxidants and phytonutrients and are considered one of the best foods to eat. Antioxidants keep the free radicals in check. Free radicals cause cell damage; we NEED healthy cells. Strawberries help lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce your cancer risks. This berry is considered a Superfood.
Strawberries are delicate and perishable. They are best stored uncovered on your countertop and consumed within 24-hours, or stored in your refrigerator in a sealed container, preferably in the fruit drawer, for up to two days. Store them unwashed with stem on and remove any moldy, wet, or damaged strawberries. Longer than two days, strawberries begin to lose vitamin C and antioxidants quickly, the reason we are supposed to eat them! Strawberries should be washed, dried as best you can, and frozen if not consumed within two days.
Preparing strawberries is very simple. Hull your strawberries with a knife, straw, or strawberry huller. As with all produce, wash thoroughly. I soak my produce in a solution of white vinegar and water, or use a store-bought produce wash. Remember to rinse well.
Thank you for reading my blog.
-Dawn