National Strawberry Day

Today is a berry delicious day. Today is National Strawberry Day, so let’s celebrate this day so sweet with the juicy red fruit that is perfect for heart month. Strawberries are my number one go-to fruit and top my list of favorite fruits year after year.  Strawberries are a low cost, low carbohydrate, highly nutritious and highly flavorful option that complements many meals and snacks. They are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant, manganese, which supports bone health, and fiber.

One cup of strawberries is only 50 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Strawberries are a low glycemic fruit because of their higher water composition and fiber content despite their simple sugars. In a smaller concentration, strawberries also contain potassium and folate.

This berry is heart-healthy, providing polyphenol antioxidants and ellagic acids which are attributed to improving vascular function. With all of their terrific characteristics, they are worthy of continued mention and continued presence in the kitchen.

What are your favorite ways to eat strawberries? I always love a strawberry-banana smoothie as a pick-me-up, a strawberry crepe when I feel fancy, and sliced strawberries to top off any salad.

Lighter Strawberry Crepe Recipe

Ingredients:
5 large egg whites, 1 cup skim milk, 2 tbsp butter, dash of salt, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, 2/3 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups sliced strawberries, ¼ c confectioner’s sugar. Optional: whip cream or chocolate drizzle for topping.

Directions:
Whisk the egg whites.
Add and whisk the butter (melted), vanilla, and salt in one bowl.
Add in the flour and stir in.
Prepare a skillet with spray oil or melted butter to coat and place on medium heat.
Pour the batter in just a thin layer and cook for about two minutes.
Flip and cook the other side for another two minutes.
Place the crepe on a plate and add strawberries.
Top with additional toppings such as whip cream or chocolate drizzle if you’d like.