Fruit of the Month – Strawberries – May

Discover the surprising facts behind one of the world’s favorite fruits – the strawberry. 

Although strawberries are often considered berries, they are not true berries according to the botanical definition. Strawberries belong to the category of “aggregate fruits” because the edible parts of the fruit develop from the seeds on the surface of the flowering plant. 

In addition to their unique botanical characteristics, strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen production, and promotes skin health. A serving of strawberries can provide a significant portion of the daily requirement for vitamin C. 

Furthermore, strawberries are associated with spring, a time of renewal and abundance. They are one of the first fruits to ripen in the spring, making them a welcome treat after the cold winter months. Strawberries are often linked with the arrival of warmer weather and are widely used in seasonal desserts, salads, and beverages. 

Let yourself be enchanted by the versatility and flavor of strawberries as you enjoy their unique properties and their role in celebrating spring.

Some delicious recipes

Strawberry Mojito

Ingredients for 2 cocktails:

  • 12 cl white rum
  • 8 strawberries
  • 20 leaves of fresh mint
  • 4 cl sugar water
  • Crushed ice
  • Sparkling water

Garnish:

  • Mint & strawberry

Preparation:

  1. Slice 3 strawberries into quarters and muddle them in a glass until pulpy. 
  2. Add the fresh mint, white rum, sugar water, and 1 scoop of crushed ice, and stir well. 
  3. Fill the glass with more crushed ice and pour a generous splash of sparkling water over the ice. 
  4. Use a cocktail spoon to mix all the ingredients so that the mint, strawberry pulp, ice, and all liquid ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the glass. 
  5. Garnish with a strawberry and a sprig of mint.

Tip: Use an (eco-friendly) straw that only protrudes 1 or 2 cm above the rim of the glass. This way, you can fully enjoy the delightful aroma of the mint leaves.

 

Recipe from Njamtv: https://njam.tv/recepten/strawberry-mojito

Strawberry pie

Ingredients for 10 servings:

  • 5 eggs
  • 150 g sugar
  • 125 g flour
  • 25 g cornstarch
  • 1 packet vanilla sugar
  • Salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 125 ml mascarpone
  • Fresh mint
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 125 ml whipped cream
  • 250 g strawberries

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 140°C.
  2. Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper. Grease the entire pan and dust with a little flour.
  3. Place the eggs in warm water (not too hot) beforehand and then mix them together with the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes.
  4. Sift in the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt, and fold them in gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  5. Pour or spoon the batter into the springform pan and place it not too high in the oven.
  6. Now, preheat the oven to 175°C and bake the sponge cake for about 45 minutes until done.
  7. Allow the cake to cool and remove it from the pan.
  8. Mix the mascarpone until creamy, then add the whipped cream and 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix until smooth.
  9. Spread a thick layer of the cream mixture on top of the cake. Slice the strawberries (or leave them whole) and arrange them over the cake. Finish with a sprig of mint.
  10. Tips: You can also slice the cake horizontally after cooling and fill it with an extra layer of cream.
  11. Store the strawberry tart in the refrigerator and remove it an hour before serving.

 

Recipe from: https://www.leukerecepten.nl/recepten/aardbeientaart/