Strawberries are a fruit known for the red color and juicy flavor. They are small in size, have a green leafy top, and an average of 200 seeds on each. Because their seeds are on their outsides, contrary to their name, strawberries are not a berry, but an aggregate fruit (true berries have their seeds on the inside).
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Strawberries are very perishable so they should be bought as close to using as possible. Look for those that are firm, have a deep red color and the greens still attached. Medium-sized strawberries often have fuller flavors than those overly large. Once picked, strawberries unwashed and with their greens attached in a sealed container in your fridge. They will only last about 2 days. If you need to freeze them, gently wash and pat them dry. Lay them out on a flat pan and freeze them. Then, once frozen, they can be transferred to a plastic bag and frozen for a year. Adding a squirt of lemon juice will help them retain their color.
WHAT DO YOU GET FROM IT?
Strawberries should be washed just before using them but don't remove their greens until after cleaning so they don't absorb extra water. They can then be sliced, diced, pureed, or left whole as they are put into jams, juices, pies, salads, dipped in a sauce, or eaten whole. They are a common flavoring in cereal bars or milk products like yogurt, ice cream, or smoothies.
HELPFUL HINT
To quickly hull strawberries, push a straw through the bottom of the berry up through its greens.
A LITTLE HERE, A LITTLE THERE
Slice and add to a green salad with some walnuts, a soft cheese, and vinaigrette
Layer with yogurt, granola, and other fruits for a quick breakfast or dessert parfait
Mash with some sugar to make a fresh ice cream topping
Chop and add to hot or cold cereals
FRUIT SALSA WITH CINNAMON
Source: tasteofhome.com
1 cup strawberries, finely chopped
1 peach, finely chopped
1 apple, finely chopped
1 orange, peeled and finely chopped
2 kiwi, peeled and finely chopped
1 can (8oz) crushed pineapple, drained
3 tsp fruit preserves (any flavor)
2 tsp sugar, or to taste
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with cinnamon graham crackers or chips. Use a mixture of any fruits for color and flavor variations!