This is spring. Besides greenery and flowers, I think of strawberries. They seem to be one of the first fruits that ripen. Friday, May 20 is celebrated for that: picking strawberries!
Advantages Of Strawberries
Strawberries have value in many forms [1]. First, they are a good source of vitamin C and manganese. In addition, these red berries contain folate and potassium. These berries are also low in sugar but high in antioxidants. This has heart benefits and helps control blood sugar levels. Besides all this, in just 3.5 ounces of strawberries, there is 2 grams of fiber. Being high in water content, they have a low carb count: less than 8 grams per 3.5 ounce.
Picking The Berries
Alongside these nutritional benefits, picking berries is good for you. You breathe fresh air, perhaps get sunshine. The best time to get out and pick the berries is early morning or the evening. The berries are at their sweetest at these times. You should pick the berries when they are ripe. Ripe strawberries are red and they are firm. Strawberries should be picked in small containers as they bruise easily.
Storing Strawberries
Berries are a fruit that needs refrigeration. Because they are picked when ripe, they do go overripe when left at room temperature. Because of their high sugar content, strawberries can even be stored at close to freezing temperatures. Fresh berries should keep in an airtight container. They can be stored up to three days. You can slice the red berries and freeze them for up to 6 months.
How To Eat Strawberries
Strawberries are a versatile fruit. You can eat them plain or mixed in with yogurt, ice cream, or smoothies. Nothing like a strawberry shake on a warm summer afternoon. And do not forget strawberry shortcake.
So take advantage of the day. Find a berry farm. And enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Notes:
- ^https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries#vitamins-and-minerals (go back ↩)
