4 Alternative Strawberry Dishes

Here are ways to enjoy the luscious fruit—aside from dessert!

Strawberries are best known for two sinful reasons: being a common ingredient for dessert and being an aphrodisiac. Did you know, though, that the strawberry was a luxury enjoyed only by the wealthy until the 19th century? But aside from these, the fruit also boasts of medicinal properties.

The strawberry is a diuretic, which means it could help treat urinary tract disorders. Another property of the fruit is it helps lower risk of cancer and heart disease. According to studies, "quercetin, a phytonutrient found in abundance in strawberries and other fruits, can induce programmed self-destruction of human cancer cells." Likewise, "those who reported eating the most strawberries experienced lower blood levels of C-reactive protein, a biomarker for inflammation in the blood vessels" according to research by the Harvard Medical School.

Strawberries are associated more with pastries than with meals, but there are other ways to enjoy the fruit aside from snacks and dessert. Strawberries + fish? Strawberries + meatballs? Check out these four sumptuous non-dessert strawberry recipes:

Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pan-Fried Tuna Steak With Strawberry Tarragon Relish

Strawberry and Arugula Salad

Creamy Strawberry Sauce for Meatballs

Browse our bevy of strawberry recipes through this link.

Photo from sxc.hu