Strawberry Season

By Suzanne Anderson March 19, 2023 15 mins read 154 Views

It's strawberry season in the south. It's time to freeze some treats for later in this year.

Strawberry Jam

This recipe yielded 6 1/2 to 8 oz containers

Ingredients

8 cups strawberries
4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions

Wash the strawberries and hull them. Cut the strawberries and place all the sugar, lemon juice, and strawberries in a large saucepan. Slowly bring the mixture up to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Continue to boil the mixture until it has reduced by half and becomes thickened. This may take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. To avoid burning the sauce, stir frequently
Place the jam in 8-ounce containers. Let cool on the counter for one hour. Then, place the containers in the freezer to keep them cold until you are ready to use them.

Strawberry Topping for Cakes or Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons warm water
2 lb strawberries, hulled. Slice in half
Get 2 lemons to zest and juice
1/2 cup granulated Sugar

Directions

Mix the cornstarch with the water until it is all dissolved. I use a fork to mix the cornstarch and water--very simple.
The cornstarch mixture and the remaining ingredients should be placed in a small saucepan on medium heat. Use a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon to stir the mixture. As you stir, break up some strawberries.
Let it simmer, then stir constantly for 5 minutes. Let it cool on the stove for 5 minutes. As it cools, the mixture will thicken.

Freeze the sauce in sealed containers for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Banana allowed in the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, bananas are allowed in the Mediterranean diet. Bananas are a low-calorie and nutritious fruit that can provide dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. As a healthy side dish, it can be incorporated into meals by adding sliced or mashed bananas to porridge, smoothies, salads, or even sweet potatoes. It could also be enjoyed as a snack with nut butter such as almond or peanut for added proteins. For those following the Mediterranean diet, bananas can be paired with healthy fats like nuts or seeds to aid digestion and promote fullness.

What fruit is on a Mediterranean diet?

You will find fruits like oranges, grapes melons, melons, pears and dates in the Mediterranean Diet. To add more nutrition to your breakfast, you can try adding fresh fruit to smoothie bowls or parfaits. Greek yogurt, spread over toast with dates, is another great choice for breakfast. Fresh fruit slices over salads can add flavor and nutrition to meals, and can satisfy sweet taste cravings. The Mediterranean Diet also includes nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pistachios, and dark chocolate with moderate amounts of antioxidants. For the authentic flavors of this ancient diet, try the local favorites from countries near the Mediterranean Sea.

What foods aren't allowed in a Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet does not include certain food groups such as processed foods and unhealthy fats. Certain foods are not recommended to be eaten in order to retain the health-benefits associated with this eating pattern. These foods can be eaten occasionally, but they can have a negative impact on the health benefits of Mediterranean-style eating.

On a Mediterranean diet, whole-grain breads and starches like white bread, sugary grains, and other highly processed baked goods are prohibited. These items are rapidly absorbed into the body as sugars and can cause weight gain. They are also lacking in vitamins and minerals, compared with whole grain options like millet or Quinoa.

Other sugars fall under this category too. Limit your intake of sweetened beverages, such as soda, tea with added sugars, or juices. These won't help you manage weight, or provide healthy nutrient profiles.

It is best to avoid red meats and processed foods in Mediterranean-style meal plans. Red meats and processed meats possess high levels of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels, raising the risk for heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related problems that could lead to more serious illnesses. Nitrates found in processed lunchmeat can raise cancer risks because they are linked to cell damage responses and may be harmful to cells. Dairy products should not also be consumed frequently as some cheeses contain significant amounts of saturatedfats. However, feta and skimmed milk are better options than heavy cream and creme fraiche alternatives.

According to nutrition specialists, fish should be limited to three meals per week. They recommend that you limit the amount of fish consumed.

Can I have alcohol on the Mediterranean Diet?

It is possible to drink moderate quantities of alcohol in the Mediterranean diet. This drinking style should be limited to 1 glass daily for women and 2 for men. Drinks that are suitable include beer, dry wines, and spirits made from natural ingredients, such as vodka, whiskey, brandy, and gin. Because of their high sugar content, avoid heavy spirits like cocktails. A daily intake of water or herbal drinks can keep your body hydrated and reduce sugar cravings.

Statistics

Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)

External Links

How To

How to adopt a Mediterranean Lifestyle for a Healthier Lifestyle

The Mediterranean Diet is an eating style that draws inspiration from traditional Mediterranean cuisine. It emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables - emphasizing on intake of large amounts of olive oil and fish, along with moderate consumption of eggs, white meat, dairy products, and red wine in moderation. Regular consumption of plant-based foods like legumes and nuts is a hallmark of this diet. These foods are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory properties these foods possess are well known for their heart health benefits.

A Mediterranean diet may offer several health benefits. These include longer life expectancy, better quality, better glucose control, better mental health, and reduced risk of developing certain cancers. Evidence suggests that there may be beneficial effects on weight control and prevention of cardiovascular disease. The lifestyle encourages eating habits that include socializing around meals, which can help to minimize cravings at odd times of the day. You can increase your health by engaging in moderately vigorous exercise throughout the day. This includes walking, biking, and using the stairs instead of the elevator to get to work.

Eat more fruits and vegetables as sides and snacks to adopt a Mediterranean-style diet. Brown rice, quinoa oats, barley, and quinoa are better choices than refined grains. You can get more protein from fish, beans, or nuts. Olive oil can be used as your main cooking fat. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to season food. Moderate amounts of dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk, and milk should be consumed. For a complete Mediterranean diet experience, you can enjoy a glass wine at times.

You will need to be patient and committed when making changes to your meal plan. However, there are some tips to help you make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, learn how to increase variety in your diet, as this will help add interest from spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables, so you don't get bored of any same ingredients. Last but not least: Ensure that you include grains, legumes and high fiber items to enhance your appetite after meals.

Mediterranean food encourages you to enjoy the joy of cooking and to enjoy eating. By making small changes, you can increase your intake of whole foods as well as plant-based ingredients to create a balanced diet. With time and consistency, this dietary pattern could offer potential health benefits, including a longer lifespan and improved overall quality of life.