I absolutely love strawberries and its benefits and of course it’s now growing season. This year a lot of them will be coming back, and I’ve tried different varieties so not sure what’s out there, but I already see runners everywhere so I have a feeling there will be plenty, but in my mind there's never enough strawberries, especially when I prepare them for a variety of items including cooking (hot and cold foods & salads). I love them in herbal teas including the leaves. There's jams to make and much more. This year I’ve decided to add a variety called Albion to the mix which are supposed to be very large. I saw a video recently and the lady had such huge strawberries, so I thought I would give it a try. My years of growing strawberries has never produced huge ones, only small to medium so I cannot wait to see what this brand brings.
Strawberries, with their vibrant red hue and sweet, juicy flavor, are not only a delightful treat for the taste buds but also pack a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, these delectable berries have been hailed for their medicinal properties, contributing to overall well-being.
One of the standout features of strawberries is their high vitamin C content. A single serving of strawberries provides a substantial dose of this potent antioxidant, known for its immune-boosting properties. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms, helping to ward off infections and illnesses. Regular consumption of strawberries can be particularly beneficial during cold and flu seasons, offering a delicious way to strengthen the immune system.
Beyond their immune-boosting capabilities, strawberries also contain anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for the berries' rich red color. These antioxidants have been linked to a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting the body against oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries may contribute to joint health, making them a valuable addition to the diets of individuals dealing with conditions such as arthritis.
Furthermore, strawberries have been associated with improved heart health. The high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids found in these berries are believed to contribute to the reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Studies suggest that regular strawberry consumption may help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and enhance overall cardiovascular function.
The natural compounds present in strawberries also make them a promising candidate in the fight against chronic diseases. Some research indicates that these berries may have anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Additionally, strawberries contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut environment, potentially reducing the risk of digestive issues.
Incorporating strawberries and don't forget the leaves, into your diet is not only a delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings but also a smart choice for promoting your health. Whether enjoyed fresh, added to salads, blended into smoothies, or as a topping for yogurt, strawberries offer a versatile and tasty means of reaping their numerous medicinal benefits. So, the next time you indulge in this succulent fruit, savor the knowledge that you are not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with a bounty of health benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried strawberries
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon dried hibiscus petals
- 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves (peppermint or spearmint)
- 2 cups hot water
- Honey or sweetener of your choice (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
Prepared the dried strawberries: Measure 1 tbs of dried strawberries and place them in a tea infuser or teapot.
Add other herbs: Add 1 tsp each of dried chamomile flowers, hibiscus petals, and mint leave to the tea infuser or teapot.
Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or a pot on the stove.
Steep The Tea: Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes. Steeping time can be adjusted based on your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
Strain the Tea: If you used a tea infuser, simply remove it from the tea pot. If not, strain the tea to remove the dried herbs.
Sweeten (Optional): If desired, add honey or your prederred sweetener to taste. Stir well to dissolve. "I personally use a mix stevia and honey."
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lemon slices for a citrusy twist if you like. "I personally use to slices squeezed in and throw the slices in the cup afterwards."
Enjoy: Pour the herbal tea into your favorit mug and enjoy the delightful flavors of dried strawberries, chamomile, hibiscus, and mint.
Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your taste preferences. This herbal tea is not only delicious but also provides a soothing and aromatic experience.
Please view the video to see how I grow, harvest, dry and prepare my strawberries for teas, foods and more. See you on the next post. Happy Herbs journey!
Side Note:
Strawberry Leaves: Strawberry leaves aren’t what you'd quite call a superfood like goji berries or even spirulina, but they may have several health benefits that might make you think twice before discarding them.
1. The leaves of strawberries contain a lot more polyphenols than the flesh. You don't say, so useing those leaves in a heart health boosting tea would benefit your heart.
2. There’s evidence strawberry leaves help to reduce blood sugar levels and thats great for people with type 2 diabetes and carry a higher rish of hyperglycemia.
3. Strawberry leaves are high in antioxidants, more so than the fruit up to six times higher which means they help to reduce free radicals running around that cause oxidative stress.
4. There’s evidence that strawberry leaves have anti-microbial properties and are high in vitamin C just like the fruit, and also helps to keep the immune system strong, so having a regular cup of tea with the leaves or throw them in a smoothie , even tossing them into your salad will help keep the icky's away.
Quick Tea recipe: I use fresh strawberries and their leaves, put them in boiling water, add a teabag: maybe raspberry or strawberry, even blackberry or anyother berry and green or black tea. Once mix has condensed slightly remove from heat, let cool, add sugar and more water if necessary and enjoy with a sprig of mint or lemon slices. Gives the whole body a nice lift.
That's all for now. See you soon.