Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Telephone (251) 937-7176 or

928-0860/943-5061 ext. 2222

FAX (251) 937-7285

Carolyn Bivins

Regional Extension Agent

Human Nutrition, Diet & Health

April 27, 2010

It’s April… strawberry picking time! One of my favorite times of the year!

Country-of-origin product labeling regulations allow you to make an informed choice to purchase strawberries grown most anywhere in the world—be it Mexico, Israel, or the United States.  But buying local is the best choice because you will have a fresher strawberry. Alabama grown strawberries are available now at your local grocer or farmers market so be sure and check them out.

Buying fresh strawberries from a local grower means a longer shelf life and allows you to enjoy a tastier berry.  There are many health benefits to eating strawberries. They are low in calories, rich in nutrients and also contain a lot of vitamin C. One cup of strawberries provides the amount of vitamin C that we need each day for growth, healthy gums and teeth, and general good health. In addition to being low in fat and containing 4.6 grams of dietary fiber (higher than many whole-wheat types of bread), strawberries are a good source of iron.

Research has shown that strawberries have many antioxidants that inhibit cancer cell growth.  And that’s a good thing!

Strawberries just taste good, so choosing to eat them is an easy way to include healthy food choices in your diet. In addition to just eating them, (one after another!), another way to add strawberries into your diet might be to make some strawberry ice cubes. Fill an ice cube tray or two with small fresh strawberries; add white grape juice or water. Freeze until firm and add to lemonade or sparkling water for a fresh nutritious drink.

Fresh Facts:

• Washing strawberries removes their natural protective outer layer, and if done before refrigerating, quality will deteriorate rapidly. Wash fresh strawberries just before you are ready to use.   
• Gently wash berries in cold water. Several washes in clean water may be necessary.
•  Leave caps on during washing to prevent water from soaking into the strawberry.
• Gently pat them dry with a paper towel or let the berries air dry.
• Use the point of a sharp paring knife to remove caps or give the caps a gentle twist.
• To preserve the color and flavor, pack strawberries with sugar. Sprinkle ¾ cup sugar over each quart of berries. Toss berries until sugar is dissolved and juice forms. Pack into freezer containers.
• To preserve the texture and shape, pack strawberries in 40-percent sugar syrup (3 cups sugar to 4 cups water). Add ½ teaspoon ascorbic acid to each quart of syrup to prevent darkening. Cool the syrup before pouring it over the fruit. Berries packed in sugar or syrup will keep 8 to 12 months.

Here is a delicious strawberry muffin recipe that has become a favorite snack of both the Chilton and Escambia County Extension Offices.  It’s called “Strawberry Streusel Muffins” Enjoy!

Strawberry Streusel Muffins

Streusel Topping

½ stick butter

½ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch salt

2/3 cup all purpose flour

Muffins

1 stick butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

¾ cup milk

1 ¾ cups self-rising flour

1 ½ cups firm ripe strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped

To make streusel topping, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add cinnamon and salt; mix until blended. Add flour and mix with fingers or a pastry blender until crumbly. Streusel can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease or line muffin tin with paper cups. Cream together butter and sugar until light and smooth. Add eggs, vanilla and milk. Lightly beat until smooth. Add flour to liquid ingredients and stir just until flour disappears. Gently stir in berries. Spoon into muffins cups and sprinkle tops with streusel. Bake about 25 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Makes 12 muffins.

Email address: cbivins@aces.edu

Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5061, 928-0860, ext. 2222

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.