Often known as the first "official" fruit of the summer, strawberry season is going on right now! You may have noticed an abundance of these beautiful berries in stores or at the farmer's market recently. Follow your instincts and pick up a basket ~ not only do they look, smell, and taste spectacular when they're in season, but they are a wonderful treat for your body. One cup of strawberries has only 50 calories and packs as much vitamin C as an orange. They are also an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral that activates enzymes used in metabolism, nutrient utilization, and even reproductive health. Some tips for getting the most out of this delicious red fruit this season:
- Don't wash strawberries before storing them. This ensures optimal freshness. Simply rinse them right before eating or cooking.
- Store strawberries in a sealed plastic bag, separated into layers with paper towels. They will keep for up to 3 days this way. Remove any soggy or molding berries before storing.
- Freeze strawberries for use in smoothies, so you don't need to add ice!
- Melt 16 ounces of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate in a double boiler. Using a toothpick, dip strawberries in the chocolate until coated and let cool. Your immune system and your pleasure system will thank you for it!
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