Strawberry
Widely appreciated for its distinctive aroma, fiery red color and juicy taste, strawberry is everybody's favorite fruit. They are red, juicy and have a conical shape. Strawberries belong to the rose family and are essentially grown for the fruit.
Strawberries come in various shapes, sizes and colors; some are even off-white or yellow in color. Though available all through the year, the best berries are available from April to June.
Nutrition
- Source of vitamin C
- Excellent source of manganese
- Good source of the omega-3 fatty acid
- Rich in potassium, and antioxidants
Health Benefits
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improved regulation of blood sugar
- Better free radical scavenging activity.
- Protect our blood vessels
Purchase Guide: Choose berries that are firm, plump, free of mold, and which have a shiny, deep red color and attached green caps.Avoid those that are dull in color or have green or yellow patches since they are likely to be sour and of inferior quality. Full ripe berries have the peak flavor and texture.
Storage: If you are buying strawberries prepackaged in a container, make sure that they are not packed too tightly (which may cause them to become crushed and damaged) and that the container has no signs of stains or moisture, indication of possible spoilage.
Before storing in the refrigerator, remove any strawberries that are molded or damaged so that they will not contaminate others. Place the unwashed and unhulled berries in a sealed container to prevent unnecessary loss of humidity. Strawberries will maintain excellent nutrient content if properly stored in a refrigerator for two days. Make sure not to leave strawberries at room temperature or exposed to sunlight for too long, as this will cause them to spoil.
Chia Seed Strawberry Jam Recipe
Chia Seeds are popular for weight loss. They reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper.This Chia Seed Strawberry Jam Recipe is a healthy option to apply on toast in breakfast.
Berry Smoothie Recipe
Berries are tiny, tasty, and tantalizingly colorful – and they're also powerful allies for your health, protecting everything from your head to your heart. What makes berries so special is their high levels of phytochemicals - those naturally occurring nutrients that help protect cells from damage.
