Did You Know? Strawberries are not actually fruits.
These runner plants from the Fragaria genus belong to the Rosaceae family.
Unlike typical fruits, their seeds are on the outside of the berry, with around 200 seeds per strawberry. Notably, these seeds do not produce new plants.
Fresh strawberries are now in season and appearing at farmers' markets across Virginia. Enjoy them right off the vine, bake them into a pie, make strawberry shortcake, top them with whipped cream, churn them into ice cream, or use them in a variety of drinks. The internet offers plenty of ideas, but here are three perfect for fresh berries.
First, try Strawberry-Basil Lemonade, a light and refreshing drink with a balanced sweetness. Next, a Grapefruit-Strawberry Smoothie brings together the tartness of grapefruit, the sweetness of apple, and a touch of ginger. Finally, for young people, a cold Strawberry Mocktail offers a smooth, subtly intoxicating experience, ideal for relaxing on the porch.
With an abundance of freshly picked strawberries, turn the kitchen into a strawberry haven and enjoy these delicious creations throughout the season.
1. Strawberry-Basil Lemonade
Ingredients
10 lemons, juiced (about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice)
¾ cup superfine sugar
4 cups water
8-10 strawberries, tops removed
1/3 cup fresh basil
Instructions
1. Juice the lemons and transfer the juice into a large pitcher.
2. Add the sugar and water, stirring to combine and dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the strawberries and basil.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend for about 20 seconds until the mixture turns pink and the basil is finely chopped.
5. Serve over crushed ice and enjoy!
2. Strawberry-Grapefruit Smoothie
Ingredients
1 grapefruit, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 cups hulled fresh or frozen strawberries
1 sweet apple (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady), cored and chopped
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients, along with 1 cup of water, in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. If desired, add yogurt or honey to taste.
Frozen Strawberry Drink
Ingredients
3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice cubes, as needed (see Recipe Note)
Instructions
1. In a blender, combine the strawberries, lime juice, and 1 cup of ice.
2. Pulse until evenly blended.
3. Divide between glasses and serve immediately.
