Susan Mills-Gray, Associate State Specialist, Nutrition and Health Education, University of Missouri Extension
As days grow longer and warmer, strawberries are first to show up in the market as they are in season from May to June. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and lower bad cholesterol levels. They are also rich in potassium and soluble fiber and they provide a modest amount of iron.
There’s no need to worry about limiting your serving sizes if you eat fresh, raw berries – 1 cup of strawberries only contains around 45 calories. You need only beware of adding sugar or high-fat products that add extra fat and calories, such as pie crust and whipped topping.
For tips on selecting and storing fresh strawberries, plus recipes for using them, see the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/
