HealthyCanada.com

Strawberry Delight

When the ancient Romans weren't revering strawberries as a gift from the goddess of love they were eating them to treat an amazing range of ailments from fainting inflammations fevers throat infections kidney stones halitosis and attacks of gout along with diseases of the blood liver and spleen. We enjoy them today as a dessert drizzled atop a mountain of shortcake or baked in a pie.

For all their sweet attractions strawberries - thought to have been given their name because European vendors used to hang the fruits from bits of straw and sell them to passersby - are hiding a terrific number of good things inside their juicy selves. And while fresh berries are available all year round thanks to modern shipping technology nothing can beat vine-ripened fresh fruits for taste and price. Because strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring now is the time to sample Ontario strawberries. At more than 14 million pounds annually strawberries hold third place in the province's fresh fruit crops in dollar value after apples and peaches.

A distant cousin of the rose family these taste sensations are luscious even without whipped cream and cake. Eight strawberries for instance more than meet the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C which will help to keep connective tissues capillaries and gums healthy.And given that Vitamin C is the powerhouse of antioxidants - substances thought to inhibit the formation of free radicals which increase with age attacking and damaging healthy cells - research shows that strawberries may also help combat an array of age-related conditions including Alzheimer's and macular degeneration.

The mighty little fruit also contains bioflavonoids anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins plant-based micro-nutrients that go hand-in-hand with Vitamin C and are said to have anti-cancer properties. Bioflavonoids have a natural anti-histamine effect that some researchers believe may ease allergic reactions and as if all these goodies weren't enough there's more. Strawberries contain a chemical called coumarin which is a natural aid in keeping blood pressure down and while it may seem hard to believe even the Romans knew that their bright red juice actually helps to whiten teeth.

Eaten alone strawberries are kind to your waistline too and just one cup provides two servings of fruit. (You should be eating 5 to 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily). More than anything else -and as every one who's ever popped one in their mouth knows - strawberries just plain taste good. Getting kids to take their vitamins this way couldn't be easier. In a recent survey over 53 percent of children between the ages of seven and nine picked strawberries as their favourite fruit.

Get Picking

• When buying pick plump firm berries that are bright red.
• Discard any with mold or soft spots.
• Keep berries in the refrigerator and wash just before serving.

Strawberries can be used whole or sliced in salads pureed in cocktails and desserts in yogurt and on top of cereals or waffles for breakfast. Their slightly tart sweetness which has been described as being akin to a pineapple's goes well with almost every other fruit.

Recipe

Fresh Strawberry "Light" Jam

The intense strawberry flavor of this no-cook freezer jam is a result of using less sugar. As well all three of the jam variations complement the fresh strawberry taste. A one cup serving contains just 24 calories!

Wash and hull strawberries; crush (with potato masher) one layer at a time. Measure into a large bowl. Measure 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar and combine with fruit pectin crystals. Gradually stir into fruit. Let stand for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Gradually stir in remaining 2-1/2 cups (600 mL) sugar and continue stirring for 3 minutes. Pour into scalded jars. Cover with tight lids. Let stand at room temperature until set (may take up to 24 hours); then store in freezer. If used within 2 weeks jam may be stored in refrigerator. Makes about 6 cups (1.5 L).Find more strawberry recipes at Foodland Ontario and a list of Pick Your Own locations at Harvest Ontario.

Written by Webmaster Monday, 08 March 2010 19:55

Add Comment