Strawberries aren't just for dessert

And after coming home with a gigantic box of California strawberries from my last trip to Costco, I must say I'm hooked not only on the taste but the price. You see, California provides 88% of the nation's strawberries, and the region is experiencing an incredibly bountiful harvest this year. With over 35,000 acres of fields across California, the growers will be picking nearly 6 million crates of delicious, ripe strawberries this week to deliver to grocery stores nationwide.

That's why you want to visit the California Strawberry Commission's website for their fantastic selection of strawberry recipes. Yes, there are the usual dessert fare, like strawberry shortcake. But there are recipes for salads, appetizers, entrees and healthy snacks like California Skinny Dips.

The website also has family activities. Visit Strawberryville, an online destination for kids full of interactive games, activities and kid-friendly recipes for several age groups.

There's also nutritional information on the site. Did you know that:

Strawberries contain powerful antioxidants and rank second among the top ten fruits in antioxidant capacity.

One serving of strawberries contains more Vitamin C than an orange.

Strawberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease, fight some types of cancer and lower blood pressure.

The antioxidants in strawberries also aid in memory performance and may help prevent Alzheimer's disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, two key factors that can cause age-related diminished brain function.

Good stuff. Now go grab yourself a box or two.