Tis the season for one of the most beloved berries ever – strawberries, and the best way to make the most of strawberries is by making sorbet. You are going to love it, promise!

Strawberries are an amazing fruit, like all berries. They contain chemicals that protect against cervical and breast cancer, inhibit tumor growth and liver cancer. These chemicals may also protect your brain and memory.

Strawberries are low in calories, high in antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin C. But – (drum roll) – strawberries are on the Environmental Working Group’s list of the twelve most consistently contaminated fruits and vegetables – “The Dirty Dozen”. This is due to pesticides and other chemicals used to product higher yields. This makes it hugely important to only buy organic. Note to self – the chemicals settle between the crevasses on the surface of the fruit, making it hard to remove. The last thing you need is a dose of pesticides with your sorbet!

Here is an easy recipe for Strawberry Sorbet that will make you happy. The amount of seasoning you use will depend on how sweet the berries are, so taste as you go.

Strawberry Sorbet:

2 pints organic strawberries, cleaned, hulled and sliced in half

1 medium lime

1 1/4 C organic sugar

1 1/4 C water

1 1/2 Tbs. fresh mint, chopped

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Bring sugar and water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Take off the heat and let cool.

Puree the strawberries and lime juice in a blender until smooth.  Depending on how sweet the strawberries are will dictate how much sugar water will be needed. When the sugar water is cool, mix about a cup in with the strawberries,  add the cinnamon and blend to combine. Taste to make sure the mixture is sweet enough. Add more sugar water if desired.

Pour the mixture in a frozen bowl of sorbet maker, and churn according to directions, approximately 20-25 minutes.  Spoon mixture into freezer proof container, and store in freezer until ready to serve.

Benefits:

• strawberries – inhibits tumor initiation, protects against cervical, breast and liver cancer, protects brain and memory, inhibits growth of tumors caused by certain carcinogens
• mint – promotes digestive health, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-tumor, anti-allergenic, antioxidant, helps heal digestive system, soothes stomach issues, alleviates gas by relaxing intestinal cycles, good for IBS
• cinnamon – powerful antioxidant, protects against stomach ulcers, regulates blood sugar, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, benefits digestion, relieves nausea, lowers triglycerides and cholesterol, reduces blood pressure
• limes – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, alkalizing effect on body, protects from diseases that can’t live in alkalized environments, cancer fighting,  antibacterial, purifies blood and cleanses kidneys, slows down aging process, promotes collagen from Vitamin C

Take advantage of the season’s bounty. Eat fresh strawberries every way you can think of. The season is short, so get after it. Guaranteed to tap into your glow-mode!

This is what Ageless Gourmet is all about – eating and living agelessly!

Until next time,

Be Ageless! Be Happy!

Christia