Produce Spotlight: Strawberries

There is something so satisfying about harvesting and cooking the food you prepare. Knowing exactly how food goes from ground to plate makes me appreciate all of the flavors so much more. I am not an incredibly successful gardener myself, but I have full access benefit to my dad’s garden and he has been bringing in quite the strawberry haul.

Strawberries are fresh and in season right now in the areas surrounding St. Louis – so it is the best time to revisit the benefits of this juicy stone fruit and try some recipes at home. If you are like me and can’t harvest them on your own, be on the lookout for them at local farmers markets near you.

Benefits of Strawberries

  • Strawberries are high in fiber. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar and can help reduce risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. It also fuels the good bacteria in the gut which is important for digestive health.
  • They are a good source of antioxidants which can help defend cells from damage and reduce risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
  • Strawberries are high in Manganese and Vitamins C and Folate. Manganese is important for the entire body system. Vitamin C is helpful for the immune system and skin health.  Folate (B9) is important for tissue growth and cell function.

Strawberries are so versatile, they can be enjoyed on their own, in a smoothie, on top of yogurt or in a salad like this recipe below!

 

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Strawberry Avocado Salad

This delicious summer salad is full of fiber, heart healthy fats and bursting with flavor.

Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Keyword heart healthy, high fiber
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 6 cups spinach
  • 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese or try it with feta!
  • 1/4 cup almonds sliced or pieces
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced

For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 pinch ground dry mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Dressing

  1. Whisk all ingredients together.

For the Salad

  1. Toss all ingredients together with dressing.

Recipe Notes

Add grilled chicken or salmon for a protein boost for a balanced meal!