Celebrate strawberry season
Strawberries are in season! Strawberries are the perfect food to add to your oatmeal in the morning, turn into a smoothie, a waffle topping, jam, or cobbler. This week marked the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and there's a full moon to boot! The full moon of June is called the "strawberry moon". The term "strawberry moon" was given by the Algonquin tribes because it occurs right at the height of the season when strawberries are harvested. Other names for this month's full moon are the "hot moon" and the "rose moon."
This year marks the first chance to see a full moon on the summer solstice in nearly fifty years. The last time these two phenomena occurred together was at the beginning of 1967's Summer of Love, and it won't happen again until 2062 (source). I know every summer is a summer of love for me!
Celebrate every season-and right now it's time to celebrate strawberry season!! Strawberries have tons of benefits to them. When ranked for their antioxidant level, strawberries come in 4th of all fruits, behind blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries. Contrary to what many think, berries help to LOWER blood sugar, with their high levels of fiber and strong anti-inflammatory affect. By fighting inflammation, strawberries also help to boost cardiovascular health, fight cancer, and have been shown to have powerful benefits for those with inflammatory digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's. Because of their powerful anti-inflammatory affect, it's recommended you consume berries 3-4 times per week. They are full of Vitamin C, supplying 113% in 1 serving (or 1 cup). More benefits on strawberries.
We pick as many as possible during the season, and freeze them. We try to always get berries organically, as they tend to have a high pesticide residue. They absorb chemicals easily due to their soft skin and direct contact with the soil.
Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate strawberry season:
1) Breakfast: On your oatmeal! Top fresh berries on this breakfast staple, along with some cinnamon, and almond milk. If you feel like getting fancy, make some strawberry rhubarb compote. Great as a breakfast topping or dessert treat!
2) Jam it out! Make some low-sugar strawberry jam!
3) Dessert-Make a Strawberry Kiwi Raw Tart or a Strawberry Cream Tart, or Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler!
4) Smoothies! Simply blend some fresh strawberries and some bananas along with some almond milk and voila!What are your favorite ways to enjoy strawberries?
Until next week....happy eating and eat all of the strawberries you can!!
Jessica from www.gardenfreshfoodie.com
Read more about The Most Unusual Facts About Berries.
