Strawberries can be found at supermarkets all year long, but did you know these berries are at their peak during the summer months? Fresh, frozen, dried or in a smoothie, there is no denying that strawberries are a delicious snack that have lots of health-promoting benefits.
Campus Dining Dietitian Stephanie May shares some interesting facts about this little fruit:
- Only wash and cut strawberries right before you eat them. If you leave them too long they will spoil quicker.
- According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans eat an average of 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries every year (and that doesn’t include frozen or dried strawberries, and jams)*
- This wonderful fruit is low on calories and packed with an immune boost — Eight strawberries provide 140% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and one cup of berries is only 55 calories!
- Do you know where your strawberries are from? California produces 90% of strawberry crops for the U.S.**
- Have you ever smelled a strawberry on the vine? Technically a member of the rose family, they give off a sweet fragrance.
Try these delicious and simple strawberry recipes. And don’t forget to join the May 3rd Strawberry Fest on the Academic Mall. Purchase your tickets in advance and save 50 cents; on sale now at any Campus Dining location.
Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
1⁄2 cup overnight oats
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1⁄4 cup plain plain yogurt (Greek, soy or coconut)
1⁄2 cup milk (skim, soy or almond)
1⁄4 cup sliced, strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1⁄2 banana, sliced
Directions:
1. Place dry ingredients and half of the fruit in a mason jar
2. Top with yogurt and milk, mix well
3. Top with remaining fruit; cover and place in the refrigerator overnight
Optional toppings: 1 tbsp of almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds; 1 tbsp peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter — top oatmeal in the morning and enjoy.
Strawberry Salsa
Ingredients:
1 pint strawberries, finely diced
1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed, finely diced
Half of a small red onion, peeled and finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
2/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Directions:
1. Toss all ingredients together until combined
2. Enjoy with whole grain tortilla chips or on top of a chicken taco
References:
* Pritts, Dr. Marvin, Food Source Information Wiki – Strawberry Page Review; 2015
** Marzolo, G. (n.d.), Strawberries. Retrieved April 13, 2017, from http://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fruits/strawberries/
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