Ok not really - I love them - but I do dislike those monster sized, hard, white on the inside, strangely shaped, available all year round strawberries that get shipped in from California or wherever. But thankfully it is, (finally!) right now, in BC - strawberry season! Hooray!
That means perfect, little, juicy, red on the inside, strawberry shaped (yes! like in kids books!) gems - at affordable prices. sigh. Heaven. All they need is a little wash. Add some whipped cream to go over the top or my favourite - coconut milk ice cream or my new favourite - coconut sorbet! I've been buying BC strawberries almost daily because the season is short and I just can't bring myself to eat them at any other time of the year.
Strawberries are also one of the fruits with the greatest pesticide residue so buying local and organic is a good way to reduce your exposure. Both are more affordable now as well.
I think that a lot of people say they don't like fruits and vegetables because they have never tried them at the peak of their season, when they haven't traveled miles to their plate, haven't sat in storage, and haven't been picked way too early and under ripe so they never have a chance to develop their real flavour and texture.
Even me - who really dislikes raw tomatoes - actually enjoys a fresh tomato salad in the peak of summer when the tomatoes are vine ripened and bursting with sweetness. That gross, weird texture disappears and the pungent tomatoey-ness disappears under the juicy sweetness I just adore. I'm looking forward to August.
Why not check out your local farmers market and what's in season for a chance to try out what whole fresh foods really should taste like and then gorge on them while they are around?
Here is a very simple Italian recipe that highlights the extraordinary freshness of local strawberries.
Enjoy!
