See red with strawberries this Canada Day

Variety of health benefits, recipes make this fruit so popular

July is just around the corner, which means my favourite season is upon us ... strawberry season!

Has anyone else noticed the baskets of fresh strawberries from local growers in stores lately? If not, check them out soon, as most varieties are only in season until the end of July.

Why does strawberry season excite me so much? Strawberries are my favourite berry, and according to the Canadian Encyclopedia, they’re one of yours too. Strawberries are universally loved for their delicious, sweet flavour; they truly are nature’s candy.

They’re also extremely versatile, adding a bright pop of red colour to fruit trays, baked goods, desserts, jams and jellies, charcuterie boards, fruit leather, salads and beverages.

And, with the availability of local berries, they’re fresher and tastier now than at any other time of the year.

As a registered dietitian, I also have to admit that another reason I love strawberries is because of their nutritional benefits. Strawberries provide us with carbohydrates, which our body uses as energy to fuel our favourite summer activities like walking, gardening or swimming. They’re rich in Vitamin C, which supports strong body tissues and immune health, and in potassium, which supports a healthy heart.

Like other fruits and vegetables with bright, colourful pigments, strawberries are high in antioxidants that provide plenty of health benefits. These compounds may help with reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugars and reducing risk of chronic disease such as heart disease or cancer.

Of course, strawberries are also very on theme for Canada Day, given that July 1st is smack dab in the middle of strawberry season — a time when we are craving sweet summer snacks the most.

Here are some ideas for strawberry-themed treats to try this upcoming holiday weekend:

STRAWBERRY BANANA KEBABS

Alternate strawberries and sliced banana on a kebab. Melted chocolate or vanilla Greek yogurt dip is optional but encouraged.

STRAWBERRY VANILLA YOGURT POPS

Make your own red and white frozen treats with ice pop moulds (as seen in the new PC Insiders Report summer edition). Simply chop up some strawberries, layer them in the ice pop moulds with some vanilla yogurt and freeze.

STRAWBERRIES IN YOUR DRINK

Adding a few fresh or frozen strawberries will jazz up any summer drink, but here’s my current favourite: mix one part sparkling water with one part of the new pomegranate lemonade from PC — this mix will reduce the added sugars in your glass but will keep 100 per cent of the flavour.

This is a beautiful pink drink with pops of red berries for extra colour and flavour, making for an impressive Canada Day pitcher.

Did you know fruits and veggies are most affordable when they’re in season?

I suggest buying strawberries in bulk and freezing. Simply wash and hull whole berries, dry well with a paper towel, then place them in a container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a year.

You’ll be able to enjoy the unmatchable taste of fresh local strawberries all year long. Brianna Kean is a registered dietitian with Atlantic Superstore in New Glasgow,

Antigonish, and Port Hawkesbury. Contact Brianna by phone at 902-921-0700 or by email at brianna.kean@loblaw.ca, or book an in-person or virtual dietitian consult at bookadietitian.ca. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram at @atlanticss.dietitian.briannak.