Local Ontario strawberries are now at farmers‘ markets and corner stores in southern Ontario (and yes I realize many areas of the country still have weeks to wait for local berries—I‘m looking forward to a “second season“ when I’m home on P.E.I. in July.)

Of course, these ruby berries are delicious on cereal, in smoothies, tossed in a salad, chopped as a salsa, dipped in chocolate or just eaten as a snack. But strawberries also provide a lot of powerful nutrients: One cup (250 mL) contains a day’s worth of heart-healthy vitamin C and just 40 calories. And researchers have found that people who eat a serving per day tend to have higher blood levels of folate, which helps keep arteries clear. They’re also high in soluble fibre.

Now you’ll need more ways to get these tasty berries into your diet: At breakfast try Museli with Stawberries and Hazelnuts. Or a Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie, or wrap up a barbecued dinner with a simple Lemon Mousse with Strawberries.

What are your favourite or unusual ways to enjoy strawberries?

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