Strawberries are a tasty and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed right throughout the day. Whether they’re bringing sweetness to a healthy breakfast, adding zing to a summer salad for lunch, or the inspiration for a dinner dessert. Locally grown Irish strawberries are at their tastiest when enjoyed in season from May to October.
Bord Bia is encouraging people to celebrate the new strawberry season to enjoy the naturally sweet and healthy fruit in their summer meals. Bord Bia Quality Assured strawberries are grown around the country and are widely available to purchase in retailers nationwide.
Not only are strawberries loved for their delicious, unique taste, but the fruit is also packed full of nutritional benefits. Including just one portion (approx 80g) of strawberries in meals or as a snack provides almost 100 per cent of the daily requirement of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and reduces tiredness and fatigue. Eating strawberries is a fantastic way to hydrate naturally; they also contain fibre, contributing to the overall function of the digestive system.
To best enjoy your fresh strawberries this summer:
- Store in the fridge but take them out a few hours before you eat them.
- Do not remove the stalks until they are ready to use.
- When ready to eat or cook, remove their stalks, wash them in water and serve.
Try these quick, easy strawberry recipes for a delicious taste of summer, packed full of nutritional goodness!
Strawberry & Yoghurt Parfait
This simple strawberry and yoghurt parfait recipe is quick to prepare and a perfect breakfast dish or snack this summer!
Time: 10 mins
Serves: 1 person
Ingredients:
- 150g fresh strawberries
- 175 Greek-style yogurt
- 2 tsp crunchy granola
- A few drops of balsamic vinegar (optional)
Method:
- Remove the hull from the strawberries and cut into slices, leaving half for decoration
- Place half the strawberries in a bowl and add the balsamic vinegar, if using
- Let rest until the strawberry starts to release juice
- In a suitable container, layer yoghurt and the strawberries along with all of the juice
- Top with granola and the rest of your strawberries
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy-seed Dressing
Nothing quite says summer like a big bowl of fresh salad, and this tasty recipe is perfect for lunch on the go, or to impress at a summer gathering !
Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients:
Salad
- 300g fresh spinach
- 400g strawberries
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 100g goats cheese (optional)
Croutons
- 120g leftover bread or crusts (cut into 1cm cubes)
- 2 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper
Dressing
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp poppyseeds
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper
Method:
- For the croutons, preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5, 190˚C (375˚F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the pieces of bread, then evenly sprinkle with the basil and some salt and pepper.
- Toss gently until well combined, then spread the bread out in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for around 15 minutes until golden, turning once halfway through cooking in order to brown all sides of the croutons. Check them often to be sure that they do not burn. Allow to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until well combined. (Alternatively, shake together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid). Season to taste.
- Place the spinach in a large serving bowl. Add the strawberries and scallions. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the leaves.
- Top with the croutons and goat’s cheese, if desired. Serve immediately, with the remaining dressing in a jug on the side.
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this healthy and delicious strawberry smoothie bowl recipe will become one of your summer staples!
Time: 5 minutes preparation
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 250g fresh strawberries
- 200ml milk
- 1½ bananas
- 1 tsp. vanilla essence
- 1 tbsp. almonds
- 1 tbsp. coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
Method:
- Chop 200g of fresh strawberries and 1 banana and leave in the freezer until frozen.
- In a high-powered blender, add the frozen strawberries, frozen banana, vanilla essence, and milk. Blend the ingredients on the high setting until smooth.
- When blended and smooth, transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
- Top the smoothie bowl mixture with 50g of fresh strawberries sliced, ½ banana, almonds, coconut flakes and pumpkin seeds. Feel free to add other toppings of choice like chia seeds, granola, etc.
For more delicious summer strawberry recipe inspiration, visit https://www.bordbia.ie/recipes-and-inspiration/collections/strawberry-recipes/ and @BordBia on social media.
