Archive for the 'chocolate covered strawberries' Category
Chocolate Covered Strawberries – Nutritious And Romantic
Now there’s a combination you don’t see everyday. But strawberries are in fact known for their nutritional value and for their sensuous status. Not to mention that they are the most popular berry fruit in the world. There are more than six hundred strawberry varieties, both wild and farm-cultivated.
When you’re thinking of a snack or a common comfort food pairing to get you through the day, a lot of people reach for coffee and donuts. That’s a staple of many diets, sure. But over time, that’s not going to do you any health favors. Strawberries as a fresh fruit, however, will still give you the glycemic kick, but in a more controlled fashion.
Strawberries’ romance stems in part, excuse the pun, from their simple heart-shaped appearance. They are a natural for Valentine’s Day because they look so much like a cute little heart. And when these simple fruits become full-fledged chocolate covered strawberries – now you’re talking serious romance and indulgence. The strawberry has been idolized in a number of movies and is a very popular present for loved ones - not only in that February holiday - but for any romantic occasion when trying to impress.
While you’re feeling good and indulging your senses however, you will also be getting a lot of needed nutrients. You can’t quite say that about the glazed donuts now can ya. You get over 125% of your daily required Vitamin C in one cup of strawberries. Eating a lot of fruit is part of a good balanced diet. Some people have had success with additional fruits as part of a diet, particularly a grapefruit diet, as it has enzymes that can speed metabolism.
The red berry fruit also are a big source of phenols. Anthocyanin specifically is heart-healthy. It gives the strawberry its deep red color. It is a big-time antioxidant which we all know are crucial to ingest as that helps neutralize free radicals.
When you actually eat chocolate covered strawberries, you’re getting two sources of anti-cancer value. Strawberries have ellagitannin which studies have shown associated with decreased cancer rate deaths and inhibition of abnormal cell growth.
Now you want to make sure that you are getting them dipped in dark chocolate, because this has much less sugar content than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is typically about 65% cacao content, you’ll see it on the package labels. Just ask the company if you’re buying them, or if you make them yourself by heating some chocolate on the stove in a pan, then you know what to get. There’s plenty of free recipes online to pair them with. Or simply eat them alone and enjoy too.
Should you decide on milk or white chocolate, that’s perfectly fine, but know that those are higher sugar content and therefore your losing more of the cacao ratio and some of the health benefits. But hey, we are about having a good time here with these, you’re not taking a health education class! And if you really want to impress your special someone, tell them you’ve got some Fragaria Virginiana with Cacao waiting for them. Yes that’s the scientific name for chocolate covered strawberries. Score some smart points and an extra smile for your efforts.