Strawberries
QUEEN OF THE REALM
Strawberries are one of the most beloved berries, sought after for their heavenly taste and perfume. More strawberries are consumed in North America than any other berry. Approximately 95 percent of all shoppers purchase strawberries during the year. In a recent survey, more than half of children aged seven to nine picked strawberries as their favorite fruit.
Like all edible red fruits, the lush, juicy strawberry is believed to be an aphrodisiac. A member of the rose family, the strawberry has a distinctive, pleasing aroma, especially when perfectly ripe. The ancient Romans believed strawberries helped cure melancholy and bad breath, among other things. A folk legend is that if a strawberry is split in half and shared, the two people will fall in love. In medieval times, strawberries were served at important feasts to ensure peace and prosperity.
Strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside.
COOKS SUGGESTION
Dave's super-sweet, fresh strawberries are great any time of day. Although some people insist that a perfectly sweet strawberry needs no sugar, sprinkling a tiny amount of sugar on whole or sliced strawberries, and letting them sit for a few minutes, will help draw out the natural, sweet, red juices. Strawberries are easy to make into a divine jam, of course, and paired with cream in ice-cream or layered on sponge cake with sweet mascarpone cream and/or whipped cream, strawberries are tops. And is there anything more rewarding than strawberries and chocolate? Melt some dark chocolate and let your friends and family dip their own.
HOW TO SELECT
Look for strawberries with an even, shiny, deep red color and as little white as possible. The darker the color, the better the taste. Strawberries should be plump without any soft spots, shriveling, indentations, or discoloration. The green cap should not be wilted. And above all, you should be able to smell that marvelous strawberry scent.
HOW TO STORE
Keep your fresh strawberries in the refrigerator in their original Dave's container. Do not wash them until you're ready to eat as the moisture speeds up spoiling. Strawberries are highly perishable so eat your strawberries with two to four days. Rinse under warm water to help bring them to room temperature and dry carefully.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Like Dave's other fresh berries, strawberries are considered one of the superfoods on account of their super-healthy properties. Rich in phytonutrients called phenols which may help prevent cancer, protect the heart, and reduce inflammation, strawberries have more anti-oxidants than almost any other fruit except blueberries and even more vitamin C than citrus fruits. They are low-calorie, fat-free, sodium- and cholesterol-free, and a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, nitrates, and folic acid.