Short & Sweet

Fresh-picked strawberries are only with us for a short time each spring; get out and get some while the gettin’ is still good.

Strawberry season is coming to Alabama, and for the winter-weary, its arrival is highly anticipated. The ruby gems are a sign that spring is here and in full swing, and they’re a feast for all our senses.

With their shine and brilliant red hue, they’re a treat for our eyes before we ever get them into our mouths. Their heady scent get whets our appetite for their soft, juicy texture and candy-like flavor.

Strawberries are a sweet delight eaten straight out of hand and all on their own. But if you want to embellish but not outshine them, try these this super-simple recipe.

Simple Strawberry Syrup

Stir this sweet stuff into lemonade or sparkling water. Drizzle it over Greek yogurt. Or blend it into a smoothie with bananas.

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries

Place strawberries in medium sauce pan with 1 teaspoon sugar and three tablespoons of water. Put on medium heat and simmer. Once the berries begin to break down, turn the heat back a bit and keep cooking until they start to thicken to a syrupy consistency. It should take about 10 minutes.

Strawberry Salsa

Spoon this colorful condiment over grilled chicken or fish tacos to add some sweet-spicy pizzaz.

2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped small

1 large avocado, chopped into small cubes

1 small pablano pepper, seeded and chopped fine

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

½ cup chopped scallions

Juice of one lime

¼ tsp kosher salt (can add more to taste)

Keep ‘Em Sweet & Sound

Strawberries are a delicate fruit, so the key to keeping good ones just right is careful consideration when handling and storing them.

• Store them in the fridge (unless you are using them within one day of getting them).
• Keep the stems on until right before eating. This will prolong freshness.
• Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them. Any water left on strawberries will bring on mold.
• Be on the lookout for overly ripe or already spoiled berries in your bunch. If you find any, discard them. They’ll make the rest of the strawberries spoil more quickly.