Featured Food: Strawberries

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

For 250 ml 

Calories 53 kcal 

 

…………………………..

Fats 0,5g 

Carbohydrates 12,75 g 

Fibres 3,3 g 

Sugars 7,7 g

Proteins 1,1 g

Early summer is synonymous with strawberries in Quebec. They usually arrive towards the end of June and are there until the first frost in October. Any occasion is good to eat Quebec strawberries. We eat them alone, we add them to our salads, we make jams, pies, cakes, smoothies… It’s simple, we would like to put them everywhere!

WHAT ABOUT NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF STRAWBERRIES?

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and magnesium. Their beneficial effect is also based on their high concentration of polyphenols. Polyphenols are micronutrients naturally present in plants and are known for their antioxidant and prebiotic properties that have multiple health benefits.

WHAT ARE ITS HEALTH BENEFITS?

Strawberries contain different types of polyphenols such as ellagic acid and proanthocyanides. These molecules give strawberries an extraordinary antioxidant power. Thanks to these properties, strawberries could have a preventive effect on the development of cancerous cells and their regression. Their beneficial effects could also act in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneratives diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and on the immune system.

 

Although they contain sugar, their fiber content slows down its absorption and does not cause a blood glucose peak. They may even reduce the impact of high glycemic index foods, such as white bread, when consumed together.

Their fiber and polyphenol content also has a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiome and on digestive health in general.

 

In short, they have so many beneficial effects for our health that we can consume as much as we want! Other Quebec berries such as raspberries, cranberries, blackberries and blueberries provide a variety that is just as interesting in taste as it is in health.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Since they are not available on the shelves of our grocery stores year round, there is still a way to have them on hand all year long. Freezing is the best way to keep them for longer. First of all, choose those that are plump and not wilted. Clean them with water and remove the stems. Then, dry them well and place them on a cookie tray in the freezer for a few hours, then put them in an airtight freezer bag. This way, your strawberries will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer so you can enjoy Quebec strawberries throughout the cold season!

To learn more about nutrition or to obtain an intervention plan adapted to your needs, make an appointment with our nutrition team at [email protected]

*The information contained in this form does not replace the advice of a health professional and is provided for information purposes only.

Recipe Card Strawberry Chia Jam

Ideal on your toats, oatmeal or yogurt. ENJOY!

  • 2 cups of frozen strawberries 
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • Juice of halflemon
  • ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper Maple syrup to tatse

Preparation

  1.  Place frozen strawberries in a pot. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
  2. When strawberries are cooked, mash with a fork until pureed
  3. Add chia seeds and mix well. Add lemon juice and maple syrup.
  4. Let stand for about 15 minutes until gelatinous.
  5. Put in a jar. Keep in the refrigerator for a few days.