We all have local strawberries in our communities that we wait all year for and then gorge ourselves with the sweet juicy flavors that are impossible to achieve any other time of the year. This week’s featured recipes are the little beloved gems we call strawberries and our appreciation for the sensational taste they give us only when local. Strawberries are available year round in many regions of the country where the weather is warm year round, in most regions in the US strawberries run from May to June. Choose ripe strawberries that are bright red, firm and with no white around the stem. They should be fragrant like strawberry perfume and should not contain any soft spots. The size is not as important as the scent and lack of soft spots. It’s always best not to store ripe berries too long so the first rule is to eat them within a day or two and store on the counter unrefrigerated. More than a day they need to go into the refrigerator, however more than two days strawberries begin to lose their sweet taste and fragrance. Wash only before eating. Can be destemmed and frozen as well. Here is a mix of our favorite simple strawberry recipes to enjoy during this peak of the season time, shifting focus to the strawberry and its sweet succulent flavor.
Featured Recipes
Strawberry Lemon Buttermilk Scones
Strawberry Spinach salad with Almonds and Strawberry Vinaigrette
Local New Jersey Strawberry Jam
Strawberry Margaritas with Dried Strawberry Lime Salted Rims