First Summer Strawberries

 

Right around this time of year I ask myself the question “ I wonder if the local strawberries are out yet?"  Even though the supermarkets are full of pseudo strawberries year round, I hardly pay attention to them. When my eye catches even a peripheral glimpse of a little sign that says something like “ local …first of the season strawberries”, I’m all over them. The first thing I do is check for the scent. Call me insane, but fruit should smell of something other than the box it was delivered in.

 

So this week, I saw my first box of local Ontario strawberries in a small shop in the east end and I couldn’t help but pick it up. They were nestled in their little green box looking less than perfect but giving off that sweet aroma that I anticipated. I’ve often thought of planting my own strawberries in pots so that we can pick them right off the plant when they are perfectly ripe. I’ll probably have to fight off the squirrels, among other creatures in the back yard and think of planting them before May.

 

For now, I’ll think of new and delicious ways to use this year’s local harvest ( that someone else nurtured ). First, here’s a little local strawberry 101 that you may find useful. 

 

 

One of my most recent discoveries is to slice the washed berries and drizzle with a little vin cotto ( grape must reduced into syrup). This is somewhat like balsamic vinegar but has much more of a defined grape flavour that is more balanced. I sprinkle with just a whisper of sugar and let them stand for fifteen minutes. These are delicious on their own, over ice cream or on a sponge cake with whipped cream or yogourt. 

 

Perhaps next year I’ll start growing my own strawberries in containers in the backyard- if I can figure out how to keep my rosemary alive inside during the winter first.