Summer time is right around the corner, which means it’s time for ripe, juicy fruits.  Strawberries are at the top of the list!  Strawberries are at their ripest in May and in addition to being delicious this time of year, they’re also packed full of nutritional goodness.

Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits of strawberries:

• Strawberries are supercharged with antioxidant content. In a comparison among super foods in common serving sizes, strawberries rank third in free-radical-fighting, immune-boosting antioxidant content. (For those wondering, second-best is blackberries, and the winner is walnuts.)
• Move over, oranges – strawberries are full of vitamin-C! The red berries contain more than 100% of the recommended daily value of the immune-boosting vitamin in a one-cup serving – effectively making them the best fruit source of vitamin C.
• Strawberries are deceptively sweet – but they remain low on the glycemic index, making them ideal snacks for diabetics with a sweet tooth. In fact, recent research seems to indicate that strawberries may actually decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes thanks to their potential to regulate blood sugar.

Fresh, ripe strawberries are typically better than the frozen variety and should be eaten au naturel, which means there’s no need to sprinkle them with sugar or artificial sweetener.  Frozen strawberries go great in an energizing smoothie, but whenever you have the choice of available produce; fresh berries are the way to go.

If you’re set on “spicing up” the flavorful fruit, add your strawberries to some Greek yogurt and granola for a delicious breakfast parfait … or chop a few up and toss with grilled chicken and arugula for a sweet-and-savory summer salad!

Try out this strawberry recipe:

Strawberry-Avocado Salad

1 cup finely chopped strawberries                                          1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind

1/4 cup finely chopped peeled avocado                                 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion                                 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper              1/4 teaspoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; toss gently. Serve immediately.

For more information about strawberries or recipe ideas, please contact Kim Miles, County Extension Agent – FCS at 325-646-0386 or [email protected].