By SANDRA HARRISON, MSA, RD
The peak season for Florida strawberries runs through April, with plenty of juicy and sweet varieties available.
Strawberries are delicious, low in fat and a good source of fiber that is a healthy addition to many of our food items. One cup of strawberries provides 50 calories and 3 grams of fiber, most of which is soluble fiber. Studies have shown that soluble fiber can help lower LDL or “bad cholesterol.” Strawberries are also loaded with phytonutrients, chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing compounds.
Ways to incorporate strawberries into your meals:
- Add sliced strawberries to a mixed green salad or diced strawberries to a chicken salad.
- Mix strawberries into a spinach salad with walnuts and goat cheese.
- Layer sliced strawberries and other fruit with plain or Greek yogurt.
- Make your own fruit cocktail with fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, sliced peaches).
- Add strawberries to a smoothie.
- Create a coulis sauce for desserts by blending strawberries with a little bit of orange juice.
About the Author
Sandra Harrison, MSA, RD, is Manager of Food Service and Clinical Nutrition at Lakeland Regional Health.