It’s Strawberry Season!

from The Gabber: January 28, 2021

Pets

By Morgan Banno

We may be short on good news, but there’s one thing we can cheer: January marks the beginning of strawberry season.

Florida is the country’s second largest strawberry supplier, exporting thousands of pounds of strawberries each year to various states across the country. According to the Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association, Hillsborough County alone supplies 15% of the nation’s winter strawberries, producing an impressive 20 million flats of fresh berries each season.

These juicy little berry bombs are not only refreshing but they are packed with potassium, antioxidants and vitamin C. Who doesn’t enjoy a sweet, chocolate-dipped strawberry confection or glistening, fresh strawberry slices atop French toast? And we all swear our own mother’s strawberry shortcake recipe is the world’s best. But an unconventional year calls for unconventional strawberry recipes.

When cooking with strawberries, most people think of either sweet breakfast nosh or dessert-inspired recipes. But strawberries are a versatile ingredient you can add to many savory dishes for a tangy pop of acidity – like my Strawberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce (recipe follows).

Chef Tip: Frozen strawberries make a splash. Wash and trim fresh your strawberries, and pat dry. Store in a large zip top bag and freeze whole (slicing larger strawberries in half). The next time you pop open a bottle of bubbly at brunch, throw a couple of frozen strawberries into the flute. Not only will they keep your champagne cold but you have a palate cleanser at the bottom of your glass!

If you’re adhering to 2021 resolutions to eat healthier try making this fresh strawberry avocado salsa for your next snack or socially-distanced gathering. Made with whole ingredients, this recipe is both healthy and satisfying, diet or not.

(Yields 2) 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and vein removed, diced ½ cup red onion, peeled and chopped 1 whole avocado, peeled and chopped Zest and juice from 1 lime Fresh cilantro, finely chopped Kosher salt

Method: Add strawberries, jalapeño, red onion and avocado to bowl. Add lime zest and juice, toss to coat. Add cilantro and season with kosher salt.