Attributes: The strawberry is one popular berry. Nationally, consumption has doubled in the past 20 years. Although strawberries are available year-round, the tastiest ones are local: Pick your own at the Green Bluff Strawberry Celebration June 29-30 and July 6-7.
Superpowers: Dare to compare — a serving of eight strawberries has half the sugar of an apple, twice as much fiber as a serving of grapes, and one-third the calories of a banana. Regularly eating strawberries may delay cognitive aging and reduce the risk for heart disease. Strawberries are a “superfood” for those with diabetes.
Weaknesses: Fresh berries spoil quickly at room temperature and last only about three days in the refrigerator. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat them.
How to use them: Slice a generous portion of fresh strawberries into a salad of fresh spinach and thinly sliced red onion. Dress lightly with poppy seed dressing. Top with slivered almonds.
