Strawberries Score an A+ This Summer for Healthy, Delicious Eating

If there was such a thing as perfect foods, strawberries would be at the top of the list. These red, juicy, naturally sweet berries not only taste good, but they court nutrition quite heavily, and they are so versatile. Fresh strawberries are in season right now. They're not expensive. That makes them an all-around winner this summer.

Our family has invested many dollars in baskets of strawberries this summer. While I enjoy them fresh out the pack, I created a few easy recipes with strawberries that are great for breakfast or for desserts.

Strawberries and Fried Toast

3 slices whole wheat bread

½ cup sliced strawberries

3 tablespoons Concord Foods Sugar Free Glaze for Strawberries

Whipped topping

Arrange whole wheat bread on a pancake griddle that has been sprayed with canola oil coating spray. Brown on one side and turn over. Place sliced strawberries and the glaze at one end of the griddle and stir to heat. As soon as toast is brown on both sides, stack on a plate and cut the slices in half diagonally. Spoon glaze onto plate. Dollop with whipped cream. Makes one serving. Enjoy.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pita Sandwiches

One whole wheat pita

2 tablespoons fat free cream cheese

1 tablespoon Concord Foods Sugar Free Glaze for Strawberries

Blend together the cream cheese and the strawberry glaze. Cut pita in half. Open both pita halves and fill them with the strawberry cream cheese. Place pita in frying pan that has been sprayed with canola oil coating spray. Brown on both sides. Serve warm. Makes one serving.

Strawberry Delight Ice Cream

2 scoops no sugar added vanilla ice cream

½ cup sliced strawberries

2 tablespoons Concord Foods Sugar Free Glaze for Strawberries

Whipped topping

Place one scoop of ice cream in bowl. Spoon half the strawberries and half the glaze over it. Repeat. Top with whipped topping and serve. Serves one.

Why strawberries are a winner

Score big with great taste and nutrition by eating more strawberries this summer. Strawberries contain vitamins C, K, B5, B6, manganese, folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These plump, red juicy berries are also excellent sources of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals.

When choosing strawberries, make sure they are bright red and have fresh green stems attached. Pale or yellowish strawberries are sour. Unlike other fruits, strawberries will not continue to ripen once they are picked. Avoid strawberries that have dark brown spots.

Some information for this article was taken from The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook page 490, copyright 2001 by Hearst Communications, Inc