Strawberry season

The sweetest time of year is just around the corner! We’re talking about strawberry season. That wonderful period when bright red, juicy strawberries are finally ripe. It feels like a true sign that summer has arrived, doesn’t it?

Here in Prince Edward Island, strawberry season usually kicks off in late June or early July. You’ll see local farms and markets with these fresh berries, often lasting into August. This is prime time to get them at their best, full of sunshine and flavour.

What’s so great about strawberries besides their amazing taste? They are doing some cool things for your body. Each berry brings vitamin C, a boost to your immune system, helping you stay healthy. They also contain antioxidants, which act like tiny protectors for your cells. And let’s not forget fibre, which helps keep your digestion running smoothly.

Incorporating them into your day is easy. Slice some onto breakfast cereal or mix them into yogurt. Blend them in a cool smoothie for a quick treat. Honestly, eating them right out of the container is a joy in itself. They make a fantastic, healthy snack. Think about a simple bowl of fresh strawberries and coconut cream after dinner. The perfect treat after a meal.

To snag the best strawberries, look for berries that are a bright, even red colour all over, right up to the green leafy cap. Avoid any with white or green patches, as these weren’t picked when fully ripe. The berries should have a nice, natural shine and look plump. Give them a gentle sniff too; ripe strawberries often have a sweet, fragrant smell. Skip any containers with bruised, mushy, or moldy berries, as one bad berry can spoil the rest quickly. Local, in-season berries usually offer the best flavour!

So, when you spot those local strawberries, don’t hesitate. Enjoy their fantastic flavour and all the goodness they offer. It’s a sweet, simple pleasure that makes summer even better.

Strawberries & Coconut Cream

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups coconut cream, chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish – Sliced strawberries

Directions

1. Place chilled coconut cream and vanilla bean paste in a large mixing bowl.
2. Beat until light and fluffy
3. Set cream aside or chill until ready to use.
4. Add half of the strawberries to a medium-sized bowl.
5. Sprinkle sugar over them and add the vanilla extract.
6. Mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher, but leave some bigger pieces.
7. Stir in the remaining strawberries (the ones you didn’t mash). Let the strawberry mixture sit for a few minutes.
8. Add 1/3 of the strawberry mixture to the whipped cream and gently mix with a spatula.
9. Keep the rest of the strawberry mixture aside – you’ll use it to layer in your dessert dishes.

To Serve

1. Spoon some of the strawberry mixture into six glasses or dishes.
2. Then, put a layer of the strawberry whipped cream on top.
3. Add another layer of the plain strawberry mixture.
4. Finally, add another spoonful or two of the strawberry whipped cream.
5. Top with sliced fresh strawberries.
6. Eat right away, or put them in the fridge to chill before serving.