It’s Strawberry Season!
Welcome to Strawberry Season! As the warming days of late spring give way to the long days of early summer, one delightful fruit takes center stage: the strawberry. Between its vibrant red color and irresistable sweetness, strawberries are a seasonal favorite that not only bring joy to taste buds but health benefits to boot!
Strawberries are more than just a delicious treat; they are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, these berries support overall health in numerous ways. But one standout feature is their low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of their blood sugar levels.
Unlike many other sweet treats, strawberries offer natural sweetness without causing a spike in blood sugar. This makes them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence, whether you're managing diabetes or simply aiming for a balanced diet.
One of our favorite ways to use the bounty of strawberries we get each season is with jam! Paired with another seasonal favorite, rhubarb, and sweetened with llinea™ Monk Fruit, you don’t want to miss this recipe from Stem + Spoon:
LOW-CARB STRAWBERRY RHUBARB CHIA JAM
makes 2 cups
INGREDIENTS
2 cups rhubarb stalk, chopped
2 cups strawberries, quartered
1-1/2 teaspoons llinea monk fruit (adjust to taste)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chia seeds
STEPS
In a medium saucepan, add the chopped strawberries, chopped rhubarb, llinea monk fruit, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture to combine.
Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The fruit will begin to break down. You can use your spoon or a fork to mash the strawberries, helping it break down faster.
Stir in the chia seeds and continue cooking the jam for another five minutes or so, until all the fruit has broken down and the jam has thickened.
Remove from heat and let the jam cool for a couple of minutes before transferring it into a glass jar or other type of storage container.
Chill the jam in the fridge before serving.