Glossary of Foods: Strawberries

Nothing screams summer like fresh-picked strawberries. It's no wonder they're a childhood favorite! Vibrant and red, fun to eat, and delicious for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Take the family to a farm for an afternoon to pick your own berries or grab some fresh and delicious strawberries at the farmers' market.

The spring fruit season and summer fruit season bring a bounty of fresh strawberries. Warmer climates will see fresh, seasonal berries sooner than cooler climates. Most strawberries grown in the United States are from California, but strawberries are grown all over the world in many different colors, sizes, flavors, and seasons. They're especially unique for the exterior seeds embedded in the flesh of the berry!

Strawberries are great to grow in pots or containers using compost-rich soil. The berries grow on short vines with wide, dark green leaves and small white flowers. Unfortunately, strawberries attract a wide variety of pests and critters; commercial strawberry growers often use pesticides to keep away bugs. Strawberries are on the Dirty Dozen list, so you can choose to buy organic strawberries for your family.

One serving of delicious, juicy strawberries has about 50 calories. That single serving, or eight berries, has more vitamin C than an orange! Strawberries also contain one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Plus, studies have found that strawberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Strawberries are also considered an aphrodisiac to boost your libido!

>> Read more: What Does One Serving of Fruit Really Look Like?

Looking for creative ways to use up your strawberry haul from the market? Look no further. We love these easy-to-make Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries for a quick and healthy dessert (only 15 calories each!). Strawberries are also great in savory dishes like salads and salsas. Try this to-die-for Strawberry Caprese Salad, the perfect side dish to a summer meal.

>> Read more: 10 Foods You Should Nearly Always Buy Frozen, Not Fresh