SPECTACULAR STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

Recipe courtesy of Henry’s Farmer's Market

September 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Did you know that 80% of the nation’s strawberries are grown right here in San Diego? Or that most kids name strawberries as their favorite fruit?
 

Now Henry’s Farmer's Market offers a great way to coax kids and adults alike into eating leafy greens—topped with nutritious almonds and fresh, ripe strawberries. Scroll down for the recipe, as well as more fun facts about strawberries.

Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes, Serves 4

Salad

3/4 c. sliced almonds
2 Tbsp. Henry's Olive Oil
1 pound spinach
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Dressing

1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
1 1/2 tsp. minced onion
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 c. cider vinegar
1/4 c. wine vinegar
1/2 c. Henry's Olive Oil

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, paprika, cider vinegar, wine vinegar and olive oil. Set aside. In a small pan, sauté almonds in olive oil, then cool. Combine spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss lightly.

Some Nutritional Facts About Henry's Strawberries:
 

The strawberries available at Henry's are handpicked by the Carlsbad Strawberry Company and are then delivered to Henry's within 24 hours.
 

Strawberries have been known to help maintain a healthy heart, protect the body from cancer and improve memory.
 Strawberries have more Vitamin C and fiber than any other berry and are an excellent source of folic acid, fiber, potassium and antioxidants.

TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT STRAWBERRIES

1. Strawberries are the seeds of life.
Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside. The average strawberry has more than 200 seeds.

2. Strawberries fight cancer.
Strawberries are one of the few sources of ellagic acid, a compound that has been shown to prevent carcinogens from turning healthy cells into cancerous ones. Strawberries also have more Vitamin C and fiber than any other berry.

3. Strawberries are early risers.
Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring. Peak strawberry season occurs in April, May and June when strawberry volume can approach more than 40 million pounds per week.

4. Strawberries are beach bums.
Strawberries thrive along California's coast because western ocean exposure and Pacific winds insulate the fields from extreme temperatures and weather, providing ideal and mild conditions for growing strawberries. California produces 80 percent of the nation's strawberries, providing almost a year-round supply. On average, more than 30,000 acres in the state produce more than one billion pounds of strawberries.

5. Variety is key.
California grows several varieties of strawberries. The most common varieties are Aromas, Camarosa, Camino Real, Diamante and Ventana. Each variety has its own characteristics and harvest time.

6. Strawberries are #1 with Americans.
Ninety-four percent of U.S. households consume strawberries. Americans eat 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year plus another 1.8 pounds frozen per capita. More than 53 percent of seven to nine-year-olds picked strawberries as their favorite fruit.

7. The best are bright, shiny and fresh.
When selecting strawberries make sure they are firm, have deep red color, a natural shine and fresh-looking green caps. Smaller berries are usually more sweet and flavorful. Eat strawberries immediately or refrigerate in a dry container covered loosely with plastic wrap. Strawberries will keep for several days. Just before serving, wash strawberries and then remove their green caps. For best flavor, allow strawberries to reach room temperature before serving.

8. Strawberries are famous.
Three U.S. states have towns named after the strawberry - Arkansas, Arizona and California.

9. Strawberries have history.
Historically, strawberries were used as a medicinal plant. Inside the body, the berry was used to remedy digestive upsets, while the leaves and roots were used to treat gout. Externally, the berry was used as a treatment for sunburn and blemishes, and the juice was even used for discolored teeth. Today, strawberries are considered one of the most important small fruits grown in the Western Hemisphere. Strawberries are a perfect, nutritious treat eaten plain or included in rich pies, salads, healthy smoothies and even fancy cocktails.

10. Strawberries have an unusual name.
This luscious fruit can be traced back as far as the Romans, and perhaps even the Greeks. The most common explanation for how the strawberry got its name is that children in the nineteenth century threaded the berries into straw and offered them for sale.