Tips on getting the most quality eating from local homegrown strawberries now that the season has arrived:
-Choose brightly coloured plump strawberries that still have their green caps attached. They should have a potent strawberry fragrance; those that are not fully ripe won't ripen after being picked. Avoid soft, shrivelled or mouldy berries.
-Wash strawberries before hulling.
-To store strawberries for up to a week, wash and air-dry the berries, leaving stem intact. When berries are completely dry, put them in a large, screw-top jar. Place a paper towel on top of the berries to absorb excess natural moisture, seal the jar tightly and refrigerate.
Source: "The Food Lover's Tiptionary" by Sharon Tyler Herbst (Hearst Books).
