The strawberries of our South are at their best between February and May, a period in which the fruits grown in the so-called suitable territories (land specifically suitable for particular forms of production, such as the Campania plain) develop maximum sugars and natural aromas, with a result that out-of-season strawberries, often imported and harvested ahead of time, are unable to replicate.
The fundamental point is that even at the right time of the year, knowing how to choose makes a difference. At the supermarket counter we are led to look only at shape and colour, while the signals that count are others, the brilliance of the red, which should be bright and uniform, without or reduced white areas around the stalk, which, in turn, should be green and turgid, then the compactness of the pulp and the scent that can be perceived from a distance. And finally the flavour: in a quality strawberry it is never just sweet, but has a light acidic note that supports its complexity.
Among the branded products that guarantee consistency on all these fronts is SìBon, the premium brand from Coop Sole, an agricultural cooperative from Parete (Caserta), active for over 60 years. The strawberries are grown in the same Campania region which makes possible that combination of sweetness and acidity that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. About 20% of the production is certified organic; the rest is obtained with low environmental impact techniques and reduced use of pesticides. The packages are completely recyclable.
As we have explained in this article, a strawberry that meets all these criteria does not need to be corrected. Sugar becomes not only superfluous, but counterproductive, since it would cover up exactly what you should have tasted.
The question, at that point, is another: how to best enjoy them? To answer, we have chosen six recipes, all built on the principle that a strawberry that tastes like strawberry does not need to be corrected, only accompanied.
Strawberries with balsamic vinegar and black pepper
An ancient combination, underestimated by most. Vinegar reduces perceived acidity and amplifies natural sweetness, while pepper adds a warm note that prolongs the finish.
Ingredients for 2 people
Procedure
Wash the strawberries quickly under cold water and dry them immediately (excess water would end up making them soft), then cut them in half or quarters according to size, then pour in the balsamic vinegar and mix gently. Let them rest for 10 minutes at room temperature and add the pepper just before serving.
Strawberry panna cotta without added sugar
The sweetness comes all from the fruit. The panna cotta provides a neutral, creamy contrast that lets the strawberries do the talking.
Ingredients for 4 people
Procedure
Soak the gelatine in cold water for 10 minutes, then heat the cream with the vanilla pod seeds without bringing it to the boil, then squeeze the gelatine and dissolve it in the hot cream, mixing well. Pour into molds and leave to cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
For the sauce, blend 200 g of strawberries with the lemon juice until you obtain a smooth coulis, turn out the panna cotta and sprinkle with the coulis, then complete everything with the remaining strawberries, cut into slices.
Bruschetta with ricotta, strawberries and basil
A summer bruschetta that works as an appetizer or snack. The ricotta acts as a neutral and fatty base, the basil brings freshness and the strawberries close with sweetness.
Ingredients for 4 people
Procedure
Toast the bread in the oven at 180°C for 8 minutes, or on the grill, then work the ricotta with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil until it becomes spreadable. Cut the strawberries into small cubes, spread the ricotta on the slices of bread and distribute the strawberries, taking care to break the basil on top. Finish with a drizzle of oil.
Strawberry, rocket and parmesan salad
One of the most effective combinations of Italian summer cuisine. The bitterness of the rocket, the flavor of the parmesan and the sweetness of the strawberries are balanced without the need for elaborate condiments.
Ingredients for 2 people
Procedure
Wash and dry the rocket, then cut the strawberries into slices. At this point, arrange the rocket on the plate, arrange the strawberries and distribute the parmesan flakes. Emulsify oil and vinegar with a pinch of salt, and remember to season them at the last moment.
Strawberry and Greek yogurt smoothie (without sweeteners)
Three ingredients, no added sweeteners. This only works if the strawberries are really ripe, otherwise you will immediately taste the difference.
Ingredients for 2 people
Procedure
Wash and clean the strawberries and then place them in the blender with the yogurt and milk. Blend for about 40 seconds until you obtain a smooth consistency and serve immediately, without adding anything.
Strawberry trifle with mascarpone and sponge cake
A dessert to be assembled without an oven (or almost). The sponge cake can be bought ready-made (or if desired, prepare the day before, here is the step-by-step recipe), the mascarpone does not require cooking and the result is highly spectacular, in addition to the fact that it is prepared in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients for 4 people
Procedure
Whip the cream and incorporate it into the mascarpone with a spatula, working from the bottom upwards so as not to dismantle it. Cut both the sponge cake (into irregular cubes) and the strawberries (in half) and remember to keep some whole for the final decoration. Use glasses (a small transparent bowl will also work) and start alternating layers of sponge cake, mascarpone cream and strawberries. Sprinkle each layer of sponge cake with a few drops of lemon juice and complete everything with whole strawberries and mint leaves. Keep in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.
Adding sugar to strawberries is not necessary! It is worth saying it clearly: much of what we do in the kitchen “to correct”, adding sugar, excess lemon juice, artificial flavourings, originates upstream, at the time of purchase. A strawberry harvested ahead of time needs help. A proper strawberry, no.
So the next time you find yourself sugaring strawberries, the question to ask yourself isn’t how much to add. It’s: Did I buy the wrong strawberries?
Enjoy your meal!
