California Strawberry Commission lists out 12 reasons to enjoy heart-healthy strawberries

February is Heart Health Month and just one of many reasons to add heart-healthy foods like strawberries to the daily diet. According to research, strawberries may play an important role in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.

"Strawberries are always at the top of the list of foods I highly recommend for packing the most nutrition into everyday meals, especially when considering cardiovascular health," said Sylvia Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, and founder of Hispanic Food Communications Inc. "It's an easy sell with their versatility and naturally sweet taste."

In addition to promoting heart health, the reasons to enjoy California strawberries are countless. To encourage healthier eating this month, and every month of the year, the California Strawberry Commission is focused on promoting the following 12 reasons to enjoy strawberries:

Reason #1 – High in vitamin C (more than oranges) and may boost immunity.
Reason #2 –May reduce the risk of heart disease, according to studies.
Reason #3 – Considered a superfruit with loads of antioxidants and anthocyanins.
Reason #4 – Grown by caring strawberry farmers who use sustainable farming practices.
Reason #5 – Nationally celebrated and voted America's favorite fruit.
Reason #6 – Versatile and can be added to savory and sweet dishes.
Reason #7 – Vibrant and juicy for summer snacking and entertaining.
Reason #8 – Grown to perfection along the California coast in ideal growing conditions.
Reason #9 – Loved by kids and ideal for back to school lunches.
Reason #10 – Ideal for adding appeal to holiday dishes and special occasions.
Reason #11 – Low in sugar, naturally sweet with only 45 calories per cup.
Reason #12 – Available year-round and easy to freeze.

#12Reasons Social Media Campaign & Giveaway

To celebrate the many reasons to enjoy California strawberries, new strawberry recipes and giveaways will be regularly shared on www.californiastrawberries.com and California Strawberries' social media pages, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To enter this month's giveaway, and a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card, visit the 12 Reasons campaign landing page.

For more information and healthy recipes that celebrate strawberries, such as the below heart healthy recipe, visit www.californiastrawberries.com.

Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Ginger Salsa

This award-winning recipe serves up salmon with a sweet and savory fresh salsa.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

Salsa:
Prepare at least one hour ahead.
1 English or seedless cucumber, finely chopped
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp. cilantro, cut into strips
3-4 tbsp. seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 cups fresh California strawberries, hulled and diced small
1 yellow pepper

Sauce:
1 stick unsalted butter
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
6 Salmon fillets (or fish of your choice), skinless

Directions
Mix cucumbers, green onion, cilantro, yellow pepper and vinegar. Cover and chill at least one hour. Just before serving, add strawberries. In a small saucepan melt butter with garlic over low heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce and lemon juice and cook 2 minutes, set aside. Prepare a charcoal grill, when ready brush sauce on salmon pieces and place on a well-oiled fish grilling rack. Place rack over coals about 4 inches from fire and grill approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Brush with the sauce again after turning, and again when done. Transfer to warm platter and top with salsa.

Diabetes Exchanges: Fruit 0.25, Other Carbohydrate 0.25, Lean Meat 4, Fat 4