DID YOU KNOW?• Fresh juice from sieved strawberry pulp has a cooling effect on feverish patients. For a cooling drink, either pour water on crushed berries or chop the berries roughly and whirl in a blender with a little water.• Strawberry juice combined with honey will reduce inflammation or sunburn. Rub the mixture thoroughly into the skin before rinsing off with warm water and lemon juice.Source: pickyourown.org
The Spinach Strawberry Salad at Mount Vernon Restaurant is topped with sugared walnuts and apple-cider vinaigrette.MAKE IT YOURSELFMount Vernon’s Spinach-Strawberry Salad1 bag baby spinach1/2 cup sliced strawberriesApple-cider vinaigrette (see recipe)Sugared walnuts (see recipe)1/4 cup feta cheese (may substitute blue cheese or goat cheese)Combine spinach and strawberries in a large bowl, and toss with vinaigrette dressing. Arrange mixture on serving plate.Sprinkle evenly with sugared walnuts. Top with cheese of choice.Sugared Walnuts11/2 cups walnut halves3/4 cup sugarStir together walnuts and sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown.Spread mixture in a single layer on lightly greased wax paper to cool.Apple-Cider Vinaigrette1 cup apple-cider vinegar1 cup olive oil1 cup honey1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepperWhisk together all ingredients. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.- Cindy Messinger
Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, the strawberry is staking its claim as summer’s superfood.
Strawberries are low in calories. They can ease the sting of sunburn. They’ve been proven to help fight cancer, and studies are under way to see how the seedy little characters may even be of benefit to Alzheimer’s patients.
But for most folks, the luscious red berries just signal the start of summer’s bounty of fruit.