Here in the UK "May 1st sees the official start to the British berry season with milder temperatures, longer days and more sunshine - the perfect conditions for enjoying British berries.
The season kicks off with British strawberries which will hit the supermarket shelves from early May. Due to advancements in varieties, an extended season, and improved varieties developed in the last few years, consumers can expect to see a wide selection of British berries, all of which have been developed to suit the UK climate.
Look out for Sweet Eve and Eve’s Delight both of which are high in natural sugar with a pleasant perfumed aroma and longer shelf life, great for those of us looking for value for money.
Elsanta is still the most popular British strawberry; it has a long season and an excellent taste. Other varieties include English Rose, known for its orange zest flavour and Jubilee, a good all rounder.
Although strawberries will be in plentiful supply throughout May the season will reach its peak in June and July. If good weather continues from July you can expect to see British strawberries until the end of September.
The best thing is that strawberries can be enjoyed when dining al fresco as part of a main course or dessert, straight from the punnet at a picnic, or just simply with cream or ice cream. Strawberries – a great accompaniment to summer!
Did You Know:
In addition to vitamin C, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Strawberries contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants which help to fight free radicals (which can damage cells and are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer) These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.
Historic Information:
Strawberries were cultivated by the Romans as early as 200 BC. In medieval times strawberries were regarded as an aphrodisiac and soup, made of strawberries, borage and soured cream was traditionally served to newly-weds at their wedding breakfast.
In the sixteenth century strawberries were sold in cone-shaped straw baskets thus becoming one of the earliest packaged foods.
Strawberries were used medicinally to help with digestive ailments, discolored teeth and skin irritations.
Details above taken from here, but you can also read more details about the goodness and nutrients of strawberries here
The season kicks off with British strawberries which will hit the supermarket shelves from early May. Due to advancements in varieties, an extended season, and improved varieties developed in the last few years, consumers can expect to see a wide selection of British berries, all of which have been developed to suit the UK climate.
Look out for Sweet Eve and Eve’s Delight both of which are high in natural sugar with a pleasant perfumed aroma and longer shelf life, great for those of us looking for value for money.
Although strawberries will be in plentiful supply throughout May the season will reach its peak in June and July. If good weather continues from July you can expect to see British strawberries until the end of September.
The best thing is that strawberries can be enjoyed when dining al fresco as part of a main course or dessert, straight from the punnet at a picnic, or just simply with cream or ice cream. Strawberries – a great accompaniment to summer!
Did You Know:
7 strawberries (80g) provides your recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
In addition to vitamin C, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Strawberries contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants which help to fight free radicals (which can damage cells and are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer) These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.
Historic Information:
Strawberries were cultivated by the Romans as early as 200 BC. In medieval times strawberries were regarded as an aphrodisiac and soup, made of strawberries, borage and soured cream was traditionally served to newly-weds at their wedding breakfast.
In the sixteenth century strawberries were sold in cone-shaped straw baskets thus becoming one of the earliest packaged foods.
Strawberries were used medicinally to help with digestive ailments, discolored teeth and skin irritations.
Details above taken from here, but you can also read more details about the goodness and nutrients of strawberries here
...and how about enjoying a piece of low carb strawberry cake - I can recommend it.
Ingredients:
100g ground almonds
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon of melted butter
2 tablespoons of double cream
Method:
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Melt the butter I used a Pyrex jug, add the eggs, cream, then add the dry ingredients and mix. Microwave in a 700watt for 3 minutes. Allow to cool and cut in half.
Spread on extra thick cream and some sliced strawberries. Serves 4 to 6.
Less than five carbs per portion / slice.
See this and other low carb recipe ideas here
All the best Jan
4 comments:
I love this time of year when strawberry time comes. I don't think the plants I've got at the allotment will be very productive this year, it's time a new bed was made ready for next year.
I always look for Elsanta variety, they are such a delicious taste.
Jenny S
Hello Jo - you must be like me I love this time of year too ... especially for strawberries. I hope your plants will prove productive, time will tell.
All the best Jan
Hi Jenny - many thanks for your comment. Elsanta is a favourite with us, and it's also my dear dad's favourite too.
Hope your week has started well
All the best Jan
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