Strawberries have high levels of heart-healthy antioxidants like ellagic acid and flavonoids like anthocyanin, catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol. These phenolic compounds lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by inhibiting the formation of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. They also relax the blood vessels, causing improved blood flow and preventing cardiovascular problems. Additionally, the high fiber content, vitamin C, and folate in strawberries form an ideal cardiac health pack as they effectively reduce cholesterol in the arteries and vessels.
Strawberries contain salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and ellagic acid, which reduce hyperpigmentation, prevent acne, and remove dead skin cells. For a face mask for glowing skin, crush 4-5 strawberries and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Apply on the face, leave it till dry, and wash off.
Vitamin C in strawberries boosts collagen production, tones the skin, and has an anti-aging effect. Also, a study showed that its extract is abundant in anthocyanins and protects against ultraviolet radiation.
Eating strawberries can prevent eye conditions like dry eyes, degeneration of the optic nerves, macular degeneration, vision defects, and increased susceptibility to infections. Antioxidants in strawberries, such as flavonoids, phenolic phytochemicals, and ellagic acid, can help avoid almost all eye problems because they protect against free radical scavenging activity.
One more condition strawberries can fix is the disturbance in ocular pressure, the pressure within the eyes, which can be harmful. They also contain potassium, which helps in maintaining the correct pressure.
Strawberries are rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which are vasodilators, meaning that they reduce hypertension and the rigidity of arteries and blood vessels. This eases the flow of blood to various parts of the body and keeps them functioning at their full potential. (Source: https://www.organicfacts.net)
I love strawberries and try to consume as many as possible when its their season. I believe they match perfectly with chocolate and I love making desserts with them as an ingredient. This torte not only is utterly delicious, but also is very simple and elegant. You can make it in a jiffy and impress everyone who is treated with it.
- 25 strawberries, 20 of which cut in half lengthwise
- 400 gr. / 14 oz. dark chocolate 60% cocoa
- 240 gr. / 8.5 oz. milk
- 400 ml / 13.5 fl. oz. heavy cream 35% fat
- 3 tsp confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cake base with diameter 20cm / 8 in.
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp black rum
- Boil the milk.
- In a glass bowl place the chocolate cut in small pieces and pour the hot milk.
- Mix to incorporate and put aside.
- In your mixer bowl pour the heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar and whisk with the wire whip until it becomes thick as a Greek yogurt.
- Slowly, slowly add it to the chocolate batter and mix gently with a spatula until everything is incorporated.
- In a small bowl mix the ½ cup milk with the rum.
- Take a pan with detachable sides and diameter 23cm / 9 in.
- Place the cake base at the bottom and center and brush it with the milk/rum batter.
- Place the strawberries that are cut in half at the sides of the pan with their cut side outwards.
- Pour the chocolate mousse and place it covered in your fridge for at least 4 hours better overnight.
- Next day remove the side of the pan and garnish with the rest of strawberries.
- Cut in pieces and serve.
- 25 φράουλες, οι 20 κομμένες κατά μήκος στη μέση
- 400 γρ. κουβερτούρα 60% κακάο
- 240 γρ. γάλα
- 400 ml κρέμα γάλακτος 35% λιπαρά
- 3 κ.γ. ζάχαρη άχνη
- 1 βάση παντεσπάνι με διάμετρο 20 εκατοστά
- ½ φλ. γάλα
- 2 κ.σ. μαύρο ρούμι
- Βράστε το γάλα.
- Σε ένα γυάλινο μπολ τοποθετήστε τη σοκολάτα κομμένη σε κομματάκια και ρίξτε το ζεστό γάλα.
- Ανακατέψτε να λιώσει η σοκολάτα τελείως και βάλτε στην άκρη.
- Στο μπολ του μίξερ σας ρίξτε την κρέμα γάλακτος και τη ζάχαρη άχνη και χτυπήστε με το σύρμα μέχρι να πήξει και να έχει την υφή του γιαουρτιού.
- Σιγά-σιγά, προσθέστε τη λιωμένη σοκολάτα στην κρέμα γάλακτος και ανακατέψτε απαλά με μια σπάτουλα να ενσωματωθούν.
- Σε ένα μικρό μπολ ανακατέψτε το ½ φλιτζάνι γάλα με το ρούμι.
- Πάρτε ένα ταψί με αποσπώμενες πλευρές και διάμετρο 23 εκατοστά.
- Τοποθετήστε τη βάση κέικ στο κέντρο και αλείψτε το με το μίγμα από γάλα και ρούμι.
- Τοποθετείστε τις κομμένες φράουλες στις πλευρές του τηγανιού με την κομμένη πλευρά προς τα έξω.
- Ρίξτε το μους σοκολάτας και τοποθετήστε το ταψί καλυμμένο στο ψυγείο σας για τουλάχιστον 4 ώρες ή καλύτερα όλο το βράδυ.
- Την επόμενη ημέρα αφαιρέστε τις πλευρές του ταψιού και γαρνίρετε με τις υπόλοιπες φράουλες.
- Κόψτε σε κομμάτια και σερβίρετε.
