We just received our second CSA delivery this morning. Buried under mounds of leafy basil, mesclun and red leaf lettuce was a container of strawberries. I waxed poetic about them last week, but, y’all, they deserve even more love this week.
It’s impossible to bite into a ripe, farm-fresh strawberry and not be fully present in that moment. Your to-do list falls away, the sound from the television dims and nothing else exists except for that strawberry.
When I pulled off the twist tie holding the bag closed, I was hit with rush of pure strawberriness (that’s not a word, but it should be). Ripe strawberries are like fragrant little jewels, glistening in the light. They’re juicy and deeply red, looking nothing like a regular store-bought berry. And thus make it impossible for you to eat an ordinary berry ever again.
I loaded up my quinoa porridge with berries, then added even more. Feeling generous, I dropped one in Riley’s bowl. I have no idea what’s wrong with that dog, but the strawberry is still hanging out in his bowl. Good. More for me.
I suppose I should mention the health benefits of strawberries. They’re loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C. They’re high in fiber. Studies show that they reduce chronic inflammation (the cause of so many diseases) and they can counteract the impact that simple sugar intake has on your blood glucose. These are incredible effects, made better by the sheer deliciousness of strawberries.
Go beyond strawberry shortcake and try Strawberry, Pistachio & Goat Cheese Pizza. Raise a glass of Strawberry Agua Fresca (no one will blame you for spiking it with a splash of vodka). Or try the grown-up friendly Strawberry-Mint Sparkling Limeade.
What strawberry recipes do you love? Please share below!
Tags: csa, strawberries
