Plump, juicy, red strawberries add oodles of flavour to any meal or dessert - probably why they’re the most popular of berries.

“Berries can be really expensive out of season, but a great trick is to buy loads of them in season and freeze them,” says Nadia Giosia, chef and host of Food Network Canada’s Bitchin’ Kitchen. “This’ll have you enjoying that summer strawberry flavor all year round without breaking the bank.”

When it comes to where you should purchase your berries, check out farmers markets, local growers and U-Picks.
   
“It depends more on how the strawberry is grown than where you find it,” Giosia advises. Locally grown and organic varieties are best.

This fragrantly delicious fruit is so versatile: your morning cereal or smoothie, favourite cocktails, cakes and salads take on a summery flair. The sweet and tart combination lends itself well to both sweet and savory dishes, including our 4 favourite new ways to enjoy strawberries:

Panko Shrimp with Strawberry Aioli

~ Quick Picks ~

For Breakfast: Strawberries & Cream

You'll need: Strawberries, Mascarpone Cheese, thick-sliced bread, Wild Flower Honey

Toast a piece of your favourite bread, slather with creamy marscapone cheese, top with sliced strawberries and a spoonful of wild flower honey.

For a Snack: Strawberries & Balsamic

You'll need: strawberries, aged balsamic (7 yrs or older), and maple syrup

This traditional Italian dessert is sweet, tangy and very fresh. Just cut up some juicy strawberries, drizzle with aged balsamic and a dash of maple syrup.

~ Menu Features ~

For Lunch: Strawberry Pecan Salad (pictured at top) - full recipe

For Dinner: Panko Shrimp with Strawberry Aioli - full recipe

by Sandy Caetano