There are many different varieties strawberries with different texture, flavour and size. But is there anything better than when Irish-grown strawberries are in season? Irish-grown strawberries have a unique taste profile and can be a great way to get one of your five a day in the summer. Just seven strawberries (80g) are one of your five a day, contain as little as 20 calories and are jam-packed with fibre.

80g of strawberries (just seven) provide nearly 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C has a host of health-giving properties - it contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to normal functioning of the nervous system, to normal psychological function. As well as that it contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. And finally, vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and increases iron absorption. That’s a lot of health benefits from just seven strawberries.

So now that strawberries are in season it’s a good time to add them to breakfast, snacks and even salads.

Strawberries are the ideal snack or dessert in the summer time. And the best news is that despite how sweet strawberries taste, they are actually low in sugar. But just like all fruit, the naturally occurring sugar in strawberries does not pose a risk to your health. In fact, using whole fruits such as strawberries and other fruits can be a great way to add natural sweetness and also vitamins and minerals to your breakfast and snacks. But it doesn’t have to end there, I love adding strawberries to chicken salads for a bit of variety in the summertime. I recommend you choose locally grown strawberries for the best nutritional profile and taste.

Aoife’s work is in support of National Strawberry Week which runs from 6 to 12 June. Look out instore for strawberry packs carrying competition stickers – you could win €1,000!

STRAWBERRY, GINGER AND LIME SMOOTHIE - Makes 2

  • 15 large strawberries, washed and hulled
  • 250ml natural yoghurt
  • 5 ice cubes
  • 2-3 pieces crystalised ginger, roughly chopped
  • Zest of ½ lime
  • To decorate the glasses

  • Zest of ½ lime
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 1) Blend the strawberries, natural yoghurt, ice and ginger until smooth.

    2) To decorate the glass, combine the zest and caster together and dip the rim of the glass into a little water and then into the lime sugar.

    3) Pour the smoothie into the glass.

    Some ideas of how to increase strawberry intake in the summertime:

    Add a portion to breakfast

    A great way to add natural sweetness to cereal in the morning or even to pancakes if you have having a treat.

    Add a portion to a mid-morning smoothie

    When made with natural yogurt, a smoothie can be a great addition to your day.

    Add to salads such as a chicken and strawberry salad with spinach leaves

    A very colourful and nutritious midday meal.

    WIN A CHAMPAGNE WEEKEND FOR TWO

    To celebrate National Strawberry Week, we’re offering a CHAMPAGNE WEEKEND FOR TWO at Kellys in Rosslare with full board (dinner on arrival to lunch on departure) and free access to our Thermal Suite at our exclusive spa “SeaSpa”. Enjoy afternoon tea on arrival, and with €500 spending money. To enter, simply answer: True or False – Strawberries are a good source of Vitamin B. Send your answer, with your name, address, phone or mobile number to, National Strawberry Week Competition, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12, by Friday 24 June 2016. Or email your entry to competitions@farmersjournal.ie