How to get the most out of your strawberries!

I don't know about you, but we absolutely LOVE strawberries here at Brys Estate. And we believe berries taste best when they're slightly warm from the sunshine and still a little sandy. At the Secret Garden, we don't spray our fruit with any chemicals so you don't have to worry about any little ones sneaking a berry or two on the way home. As our strawberries start to plump up and ripen, we've been compiling all our best tips and tricks to get the most out of your strawberries this year. Check out the surprising health benefits, our expert landscapers' secret tricks and our top 5 ways to use your freshly picked berries. ​

Health Benefits

We could all use more strawberries in our lives, right? These little berries are actually filled with tons of nutrients that are great for supplementing your overall health! Strawberries are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, which prevent cell deterioration and remove toxins. Some studies also show that strawberries can help with digestion, inflammation, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and damaged hair. These little guys are also proven to help your eyes! With vitamins A and C they can reduce night blindness, cataracts and macular degeneration. Who knew a little berry could pack such a big punch?!

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Tips from Our Landscapers 

Our incredible Professional Landscapers never cease to amaze us with their endless knowledge of all things planted! Of the varieties of strawberries we grow here at the Secret Garden, Ron and Miriam would recommend the Jewel, Flavorfest and Galletta varieties. We've found that these produce the yummiest, sweetest and juiciest berries! We have also found that strawberry plants will have good production for up to three years before size and quantity start to diminish. That being said, its best to successively plant new strawberries each year to keep a successful, continuous crop. 
Expert tip! Don't pay for new plants! Cut the runners from the mother plant once they've established roots and plant them in a new area or share with friends! 

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5 Things To Do with your Fresh Strawberries

1. Use as a delicious topping!

• Slice and sprinkle fresh strawberries on top of yogurt, ice cream, cereal, oatmeal and more. A super easy way to sweeten up any ordinary dish.

2. Freeze and use later!

• Frozen fruits typically last around 8 months in the freezer. Use your frozen berries for smoothies and homemade sorbets or thaw and use for baking or enjoy as is! Check out our favorite breakfast smoothie below!

3. Make your own face mask!

• Follow our recipe listed below or discover your own! Strawberries are full of good nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants that will rejuvenate skin, even skin tone and improve overall appearance!

4. Make a sweet treat!

• There are thousands of amazing strawberry recipes out there! Whether its baking pastries, putting together a healthy breakfast or trying something brand new, strawberries are the perfect addition! Try the Strawberry Salsa recipe below, straight from the kitchen of Katie Brys!

5. Enjoy fresh!

• My personal favorite, enjoy fresh from the basket (preferably on the car ride home)! We recommend washing your Secret Garden strawberries as you plan to eat them. Since they are free of any nasty chemicals, they tend to go bad faster after they've been washed.

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Recipes to Try at Home!

-Andrea G.

Brys Secret Garden's Assistant Manager and In-House Blogger