Let strawberries steal the show this summer! From blending them into smoothies, tossing them on salads, or turning them into jams and sauces – these juicy gems are a game changer. They add that perfect pop of flavour and colour to cakes and desserts while giving you a healthy boost.
Strawberries are also a secret weapon for weight loss. Who wouldn’t want that burst of freshness in every sip and bite? Make strawberries your main squeeze this season, and enjoy a burst of freshness and health in every bite.
Sensational ideas with strawberries
Strawberries are a flexible fruit that can be used in almost everything, from savoury to sweet dishes, says chef Asi Ndamase, co-founder of Thyme with the Chefs and lecturer at the Cape Town Hotel School (CPUT).
“I definitely love enjoying them in my summer salads,” Ndamase says.
She adds that strawberries can also be a great heartwarming addition to savoury dishes.
“Oh, and what’s summer without berry mocktails? You can make a strawberry coulis and just add it to your summer drinks for an extra berry blast of flavour.”
Chef Asi Ndamase
“Bought a lot of strawberries and they’re starting to go off in the fridge? A strawberry jam on toast is never a bad idea, right? And making your own jam is also much healthier (and yummier) than a regular store-bought jar.”
Ndamase says you can also make ice lollies for the kids. All you need are ice lolly moulds, your favourite juice, and some strawberry coulis for an extra burst of berry flavour.
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Bursting with flavour and nutrition
Pheladi Makwela, an independent dietitian based in Parklands, Cape Town, says strawberries are packed with significant nutrients, such as fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
“The health benefits include improved iron absorption, which supports red blood cell formation, maintenance of healthy gut movement, and protection of the heart, skin, and hair growth.”
Dietitian Pheladi Makwela
She suggests adding them to overnight oats and making healthy strawberry smoothies, frozen treats, glazes, desserts, juices, and sauces – depending on personal preferences.
Overnight strawberry oats by Pheladi Makwela
Oats: Make sure to use plain old-fashioned oats and not quick oats because the consistency is best with rolled oats.
You can also use gluten-free oats.
Do not use steel-cut oats.
- Milk: You can use full cream or low-fat milk. You can also use plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk or oat milk.
- Chia seeds (optional): These seeds are packed with tons of nutrients.
- Sweetener (optional): Use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the mixture, especially because oats can be somewhat bland on their own.
Toppings: Top up with sliced fresh strawberries.
ALSO READ: Delicious desserts: Go guilt and sugar-free these holidays
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Grilled strawberries, plum and whipped feta salad by chef Asi Ndamase
Ingredients
- For whipped feta- 125g Danish feta
- 75ml cream
- 1 tsp finely chopped dill
- 1tsp lemon zest
- For Balsamic glaze - 1 cup balsamic vinegar and ½ cup sugar
- 10 strawberries
- 2 plums
- 1 ½ tsp olive oil
- 3 tbs honey
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Toasted pine nuts
- Baby salad leaves
- Mint leaves
Instructions
Blend Danish feta and cream until smooth, fold in dill and the lemon zest. Reduce vinegar and sugar on low heat by half. Cut fruits in half and marinate in honey for about 5 minutes to absorb flavour and grill on medium heat with olive oil until fruit is charred, once done, set aside in the fridge to cool down.
Plating: Smear or spread whipped feta mouse on a platter and scutter your grilled fruits on top, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and garnish with seeds, nuts, baby salad and mint leaves.
