Bob Gabriel wants to wish everyone a Berry Christmas - a straw-berry Christmas, to be precise.
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The Warrawong fruiterer says Christmas is the perfect time to take advantage of this year’s bumper strawberry season and enjoy some delicious berry desserts.
‘‘There’s nothing better during warmer months than really fresh flavours and, because of the sweet nature of summer fruits, they make a perfect dessert,’’ the Warrawong Fruit King worker says.
‘‘In Australia we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fresh fruit supplies but what makes it different for strawberries this year is a glut in the market.
‘‘Prices have been driven down because there are just so many quality strawberries available this season.’’
A great strawberry will be pinkish-red in colour and firm when squeezed lightly between the fingertips.
Avoid ones that are soft or, alternatively, green or white in colour because, unlike most fruits, strawberries will not ripen after they have been picked.
‘‘[It’s best to] buy the strawberries that look ready to eat,’’ Gabriel says.
‘‘You can always freeze strawberries if you’re not planning to eat them for a couple of days.
‘‘Or, if you want to store them so that they’re on hand it’s best to line the bottom of a container with paper towel to absorb the moisture that makes them soft.’’
Strawberries contain vitamin C and folate, and the tiny seeds are a good source of fibre.
While cherries or chocolate-coated sultanas are more traditional Christmas dessert foods, Gabriel says strawberries provide a cost-effective alternative.
‘‘This year strawberries are a great addition to the Christmas table if you’re working to a budget and (the great thing is) they are also highly versatile,’’ he says.
‘‘They can hold their own as a hero ingredient, but they also work well as a compliment to other fruits like raspberries or blueberries or as a topping for classic desserts like pavlova.
‘‘Strawberries are a classic fruit that will never go out of fashion – whether you enjoy them on their own, with a dollop of fresh cream or as part of a more complex dessert, they never fail to please.’’