Strawberries are a perennial of the Rose family, which includes tree fruits such as apple, cherry and plum. A cereal bowl (about 100g) full of these delicious berries supplies more than the daily RNI for vitamin C as well as useful amounts of folate, potassium and soluble fibre. Recent studies suggest that just 8-9 berries a day may have a beneficial influence on folate levels making them a useful inclusion for pregnant women and those concerned with elevated homocysteine, a marker associated with heart disease. Strawberries are also a valuable source of phyto-nutrients including ellagic acid which is thought to be helpful in the fight against cancer. These valuable phyto-nutrients also act as vasodilators, lowering the risk of coronary artery disease through their beneficial effect on blood pressure. Increase your intake of these fabulous fruits with one or more of our recipe ideas:
Porridge is of course a winter favourite but why stop enjoying it when the weather gets warmer? This recipe makes an ideal "Summer Porridge" with quantities serving four, it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.
Place 100g oats in a bowl with 225ml of apple juice. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight. Divide into bowls and top with fresh strawberries, a dollop of live yogurt and a sprinkle of Vanilla Seeds. Serve chilled.
Do you look forward to dessert but feel guilty because of those unwelcome extra calories? Well our Summer Berries with Citrus Syrup offers a sweet but nutritious dessert option - packed with vitamin C, fibre as well as beneficial antioxidants it's easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a Summer Supper Party.
Stir 250ml of boiling water with 50g of fruit sugar until dissolved. Bruise a lemongrass stalk with a rolling pin and add to the syrup along with some lemon zest. Leave to cool. Wash and prepare a mix of strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants and then pour the sieved syrup over the berries. Leave to steep for 30 minutes before serving.
Fancy something a little more decadent - then look no further. Strawberries and chocolate are a marriage made in heaven and we think these Chocolate Berry Cups are perfectly amazing!
Heat 284ml of double cream in a pan, remove from the heat before it boils and add chocolate pieces (100g) - stir until melted. Allow to cool slightly. Tip 1 tablespoon of icing sugar into the pan with 550g of strawberries and mix gently. Spoon into 4 glasses and top with a few fresh berries. Chill in the fridge for up to 3 hours.
Use one of our strawberry recipes or adapt your own and host a June tea party to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. Email your details to
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to receive a fundraising pack.
Ref: Spiller G.A. (2003) "Report on benefits of strawberries - long term study" Health Research and Study Center (HRSC), Los Atlos, California
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