Simply Recipes / Micah Siva
During my time in high school and college summers, I worked at a farmers market in Calgary, Canada. After scooping gelato for a year, I moved to a produce stand with a unique feature: a “vegetable butcher” who prepared your chosen produce for you, making your week easier.
In my role, I had to be knowledgeable about all our produce, including its origin, seasonality, selection tips, and cooking ideas. One highlight of my job was enjoying the first strawberries of the season, which were incredibly sweet and flavorful compared to winter berries.
One favorite recipe of mine during strawberry season was strawberry salsa, a great way to use up imperfect berries and showcase their versatility while reducing waste. Though I no longer work as a vegetable butcher, I still make this salsa at home.
Tips for Selecting the Best Strawberries:
– Choose uniformly red berries without bruises or white spots
– Look for strawberries with vibrant green tops and minimal browning
– Sniff the strawberries for a sweet fragrance
– Opt for small berries for a more concentrated flavor
If your strawberries lack flavor, ensure to remove the white parts when preparing them. You can also enhance their taste by adding a teaspoon of sugar and letting them sit.
To make my Strawberry Salsa for 6-8 servings, you’ll need strawberries, mint, lime, honey, and salt. Combine diced strawberries and mint, then mix lime zest, juice, honey, and salt. Let the flavors meld before serving with cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips or over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt.
For a sweet-savory twist, use the salsa as a taco topping or with grilled fish.
This versatile recipe pairs well with various dishes, whether sweet or savory.
Here is the revised text:
“Make it pair just right with these additions or swaps:
– Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion for a savory twist.
– Include 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely chopped jalapeños for extra spice.
– Add a hint of tang with 1 teaspoon of sumac, a spice made from berries.
– Swap strawberries with your favorite summer fruits like peaches, nectarines, or plums.
– Use cilantro instead of mint.
For more details, refer to the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES.”
