So What's With the Straw in the Berries?

We're featuring Strawberries for Day 9 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods. No one seems to know for sure where the word "strawberry" originated. Some think farmers used straw as mulch to prevent rot around the berries. Other people think that the berries were "strewn" on the ground and that term morphed into "straw." I just know that there's no straw in these berries, but nature has packed them instead with plenty of nutrients.
Strawberries are loaded with health benefits including Vitamin C. In fact, a serving of 8 strawberries contains more Vitamin C than an orange! The flavonoids found in the strawberries give them their red color and their antioxidant characteristics. Several research studies have shown that strawberries protect against inflammation, heart disease, and cancer. They also contribute to eye health, and the United States Food and Drug Administration states that strawberries may slow the decline of age-related loss of cognitive and motor skills. Best of all, strawberries are naturally sweet and low in calories.
Strawberries are delicious eaten whole, used in baking, blended into smoothies, and made into jams. But have you ever had strawberries as part of a green salad? It's a delicious way to break the regular salad routine.
If you visit Daisy Mae's Market today (1/13/11) at Findlay Market, you'll receive free strawberries with your $15 purchase. Pick up some spinach, too, and give this Spinach and Strawberry Salad a try.