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We are smack dab in the middle of strawberry season and I couldn’t be happier. There is nothing quite so amazing as biting into an organic, fresh, ripe strawberry. Brightly colored, perfectly sweet and juicy enough to make your mouth water just by smelling it. I like to think of them as nature’s candy – they can satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a nutrition boost all at the same time.

Strawberries are a powerhouse for vitamin C (one cup yields 150% of daily value of vitamin C) and only 50 calories. They contain fiber and although they have natural sugars as part of their sweetness, they have a low glycemic load that won’t cause your blood sugar to spike and crash.

On a more in-depth level, strawberries contain trace minerals, such as manganese, folate and potassium, all which contribute to healthier bones. They contain antioxidants and they help protect your heart, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. What’s not to love about this fruit that has a heart-shaped silhouette?

When you shop for strawberries, buy organic (they are on the dirty dozen list for high pesticide residue) and smell the package to see if they are ripe. It should smell sweet and fragrant. Look for a clean, dry berry that is plump, firm, and fully red. The caps should be green and fresh looking. Avoid bruised or wrinkled berries. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so you will want to eat them soon after you buy them.

And what’s the best way to eat them? At this time of year…. Simply rinse, remove the stem (here’s a great tool to do that) and pop them into your mouth. Delicious!