Strawberries are the iconic berry, able to instantly juice up your favourite recipes and menus, both savoury and sweet. And thanks to California farmers, they can be more than a summertime treat and enjoyed year-round. That’s good news for those of us cooking, baking and cocktailing on this side of the 49th parallel.
Whether whipping up a fresh take on shortcake, salad, pizza or an inspired cocktail, strawberries are a flavour-packed shapeshifter: simultaneously sweet, tart, juicy and complex. And, due to the close proximity to Canada, California strawberries are an affordable way to eat delicious, ripe berries throughout the year.
California strawberries are a flavour-packed foil for savoury dishes
Strawberries complement salty, bold cheeses, so they are fantastic on a cheese board or jazzing up salads like this Strawberry Burrata Pasta Salad; Strawberry, Watermelon & Walnut Salad, and mains like this Chicken Flautas with Strawberry Pico de Gallo recipe and Strawberry and Goat Cheese Pizza.
They’ll also bring unexpected flair to grilled meats. Try a strawberry glaze drizzled on chops (Strawberry Syrah Glazed Pork Chops) and you won’t be disappointed. The dishes’ flavours are also a natural match for the wine’s signature strawberry notes.
It’s their versatility that makes California strawberries endlessly exciting for foodies and chefs alike
Take the oh-so-beautiful basic batch of homemade Strawberry Chia Jam. The strawberry sings in this simple preparation, but take things one step further with chia seeds, and wow! A Rustic Strawberry Galette with a sprinkle of fresh thyme sprigs and an easy Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu are inspiring ways to re-interpret classic dishes.
California strawberries are also a magic ingredient for the home bar
Think strawberry martinis and margaritas; as well as strawberry smashes, spritzes or a Strawberry Moscow Mule. And of course, frosé cocktails blended with strawberries are always a fun idea when you’re in a vacation mindset. A few sliced strawberries in a pitcher of icy water also makes your tablescape extra irresistibly Instagrammable for even the most casual get-togethers.
Just eight strawberries can deliver 95% of your daily vitamin C requirements
Consider strawberries’ broad appeal with wellness-minded types who start their day in a pro-berry way. We love the fact that a handful of about eight strawberries delivers 95% of your daily vitamin C requirements, 3 grams of fibre and only 50 calories. Move over avocado toast and say hello to whipped ricotta on sourdough toast with fresh strawberries or – maybe try a glass of homemade Strawberry Oat Milk.
California strawberries are grown with sustainability in mind
California strawberries bring a dose of sunshine to smoothies and countless other culinary creations in more ways than one. After all, the region has long been committed to its organic farmers and to sustainable farming practices. In fact, California produces more organic strawberries than anywhere in the world. The industry is also committed to using the highest level of post-consumer recycled material in its plastic packaging as part of their sustainability efforts.
Nutritionally smart, versatile, delicious and beautiful to serve: There are so many reasons why California strawberries belong in today’s modern and mindful kitchen, guaranteeing ripe, juicy sweetness 12 months of the year.
How to select and store California strawberries*
California strawberries are fully ripe at the time they are picked and do not continue to ripen after harvesting. Here are a few tips on how to select & how to store strawberries to make your berries last as long as possible.
- Choose berries that have a bright red colour, a natural shine and fresh-looking green caps.
- Strawberries should always be refrigerated and kept dry until just before serving.
- With green stems still intact, rinse berries under cool water.
- After rinsing, gently blot dry.
- Remove the green caps from the berries with a light twist or with the point of a knife.
*Content excerpted from Californiastrawberries.com
Learn more about buying fresh strawberries at californiastrawberries.com
