June is Strawberry Season!
June is strawberry season, a favorite time of the year for many New Englanders. This is a great time to increase your fruit and veggie intake. First, because produce may be a little less expensive when in season, and second because produce tastes better when in season!
Having trouble getting your little one to eat more fruits and veggies? Try taking them strawberry picking; they may be more willing to try something they see growing and helped to pick. And, of course, nothing beats a fresh picked strawberry warm from the sun! If getting out to the strawberry field is not an option for you, check out local farmers’ markets. Many of Connecticut’s farmers’ markets accept SNAP benefits. Here is a link for farmers’ markets that accept SNAP EBT. Some farmers’’s markets also offer two- for- one SNAP benefits!
Strawberries are high in fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and folate and contain many beneficial phytochemicals. Fiber may help to lower your cholesterol, improve your gut health, and help to improve how your body responds to sugar. Vitamin C is important for the health of our immune system. Potassium can help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Folate is a vitamin B that is very important during pregnancy, but it is also important in the production of red blood cells throughout our life cycle.
When picking berries, choose ones with a bright red color, a natural shine, and fresh-looking green caps. Strawberries should always be refrigerated and kept dry until just before serving. Once ready to eat, rinse under cool water with green stems still intact, gently blot dry. Remove the stems with a light twist or sharp knife. Strawberries taste best at room temperature.
Now that you have picked all those berries, what to do with them?
Strawberries are more versatile than you may think – instead of the standard short cake, consider trying them in savory recipes, such as; strawberry relish/salsa, strawberry bruschetta, or on a salad. Strawberry bread, plain with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or drizzled with balsamic vinegar are delicious alternatives.
An easy snack is strawberry with Greek yogurt, but this strawberry bruschetta recipe is an excellent way to use strawberries. Try it with your next party or brunch!
Visit our Nutrition Services page to learn about our cooking classes for kids and more!
