The arrival of summer means its strawberry season!
Strawberries are a much-loved fruit across Canada for their bright red colour, juicy texture and most of all, sweetness.
Packed with vitamins, fibre, and particularly high levels of antioxidants, known as polyphenols, strawberries are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food.
They are among the top 20 fruits in antioxidant capacity and are a good source of manganese and potassium.
According to a Statista report, approximately 23,490 metric tons of fresh strawberries were produced in Canada in 2021.
Did you know that Ontario is home to a number of greenhouses that also produce fresh Ontario berries which extend the ‘local strawberry season’ even longer?
Year-round indoor production of Ontario strawberries means Ontarians have access to fresh, healthy and delicious Ontario strawberries year-round.
Here are five ideas that will help you get the most out of these sweet and juicy strawberries while they are in season!
- Cooking strawberries, particularly by roasting them, adds to their flavour and can elevate anybody’s breakfast
- Strawberry pie is a great addition for your summer rotation. The secret is to add strawberry flavoured jelly.
- Savoury strawberry dishes with a mixture of Middle Eastern flavours are just as good.
- Frozen strawberry sundae squares are a simple and favourite ice cream treat for the kids.
- Mini cucumber strawberry boats are an excellent appetizer containing cheese and balsamic vinegar to bring out the sweetness of strawberries.
Interested in growing strawberries? Visit here.