Heart-shaped with an alluring red hue, strawberries have long been associated with love, fertility, and healing. The ancient Romans used strawberries to symbolize Venus, the Goddess of Love. They also believed the berry could treat conditions from melancholy to kidney stones.

Today, the emergence of sweet and juicy strawberries signals the beginning of summer. These versatile and flavorful berries can be eaten fresh or incorporated into various dishes like salsas, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and drinks. For drinks, favorites this time of year are Bellini's and Prosecco's, but there are many ways to enjoy this fresh flavor in your go-to cocktail.

With the greater availability and increased quality this month, it's wise to take advantage of their peak. Choose bright red strawberries that look plump and smell fragrant. Their stems or green caps should look fresh and be fully attached. Once purchased, store in the refrigerator and use as soon as possible, as they perish easily, and wash right before consuming. If you can't consume them right away, remove the stems and place them unsliced on a cookie sheet in the freezer until they are firm, then package them into airtight baggies or containers.

Make an adventure out of strawberry season! Find a u-pick local farm to harvest them fresh from the field, enjoy some time in the sun, and pick up some other delicious June treats. Enjoy!

Links:

Muddled Strawberry Cocktail with Vodka: https://rb.gy/efxeym

Strawberry picking and storage tips: https://bit.ly/1XmyDhw

Fun facts about strawberries: https://bit.ly/1MQbTCJ