NC Strawberries First Local Fruit of Growing Season

— Written By and last updated by
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Fresh, sweet NC strawberries are now an abundant and an economical treat.

North Carolina ranks third in the nation for production, with an annual crop valued at $29.4 million. The best quality strawberries have a distinctive sweet scent and intense flavor that makes them irresistible.

Nutritionally, strawberries are considered a “superfood.” One cup provides only 49 calories, with 149 percent of your daily requirement for vitamin C, plus 29 percent of required manganese. This trace mineral supports skin health and blood sugar control. They rank amongst the highest fruits in antioxidants, helping protect the cardiovascular system. With a high phytonutrient content, they have the ability to reduce inflammation in the body.

So, go ahead and purchase large containers, and enjoy the abundance by using strawberries a variety of ways.

Here are a few favorites:

Strawberry Salsa

1 pint fresh strawberries, diced

4 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 small onion, diced

1 small jalapeno pepper, minced

2 tablespoon lime or lemon juice

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

In a bowl, combine strawberries, tomatoes, onion, and pepper. Stir in lime juice, garlic, and oil. Cover and chill for 2 hours. Serve with cooked poultry or pork or as a dip with chips. Yield: 4 cups.

Source: NCDA&CS

Frozen Fruit Bars

2 cups fresh strawberries

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Puree fruit in blender, adding a tablespoon or two of water if necessary. Add sugar and lemon juice and blend. Pour into small cups and insert sticks. Freeze until solid. Just before eating, remove cups by running warm water over them.

Source: N.C. Five A Day Program 

Green Strawberry Salad

4 cups fresh salad greens, torn or coarsely chopped

1 cup quartered strawberries

½ cup crumbled goat cheese

¼ cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup poppy seed dressing, or to taste

Toss ingredients together. Serves 4.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Dip

Stir together 2 parts vanilla yogurt, 1 part peanut butter and 1 part chocolate hazelnut spread. Dip strawberries, graham cracker or vanilla wafers for a delicious snack.