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Strawberry Fields Forever
Mmmmm... Can you remember biting into a big, sweet, juicy strawberry when you were little? Can you feel the juice running down your chin? Strawberries can create some vivid food memories for many people because they are so good! Today, you can get strawberries at the market almost all year round thanks to quick shipping, but they are not the same as eating those freshly picked, perfectly ripe berries right out of your own garden.
You do not need a green thumb to grow strawberries, and once you taste freshly picked berries, store bought will never be the same again. Growing your own berries in a pot or in the garden will let you have the best berries for a bowl of fruit and cream, or even just a berry or two cut up in your morning cereal.
The strawberries we eat today are native to the Americas, but they are a hybrid between the species of South America and the species of North America. This created a strawberry plant that would survive in both climates and still produce succulent fruit that have always been a sign of decadence in Europe.
Strangely enough, strawberries were considered poisonous in Argentina until the middle of the 19th century. While those plants varied greatly in shape, size, and flavor, they all bore the well-known red color and heart-shaped fruit that we all adore so much.
While most people think of eating strawberries raw, there are other recipes you can make with them that are exquisitely delicious. A really easy recipe is to cut the berries into small pieces, then place them in a bowl. Cover the cut up berries with water and sprinkle white granulated sugar over the top generously. Add some ice, and let the whole mixture soak in the refrigerator for several hours. When you are ready to eat it, you will find a lovely cold summer dessert.
Many people love the firm texture of strawberries, but they might not be altogether fond of the sweetness, or perhaps they prefer their flavors a little more complex. If this describes you, think about putting out a bowl of good balsamic vinegar and powdered confectioner sugar, and then dipping the fruit into first one, then the other. The sweetness will be enhanced by the sharp taste of the vinegar and you will find that this makes an excellent end to a good meal.
Strawberries and spinach make a great pairing. Toss a few in the next time you want to serve a spinach salad. If you combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, some red onions and caraway seeds, you will have a great salad that works well for lunch or dinner. Top it with a dressing of balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, mustard and honey to pull it all together.
Another great spinach and strawberry combination takes tender baby spinach leaves and strawberries sliced on the diagonal and adds them to a little Gorgonzola cheese and tasty homemade croutons. Top it off with a little dollop of ranch dressing and a grind of fresh black pepper. This creates an incredible combination of crunch, sweetness, and tartness that delights the palate.
Do not relegate strawberries only to shortcake. They have a lot more to offer than the traditional dessert. Strawberries are nutritious and flavorful, and are the ideal berry to serve. There is a reason the strawberry is everyone's favorite.
About the Author Discover the site that is dedicated to Jello and jello salad recipes, JelloRecipes.net home of great recipes and articles. |
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