In Santa Cruz, strawberries are practically part of the scenery—we’re surrounded by some of the biggest berry farms in the country. But even with berries in stores year-round, there’s something extra magical about local, in-season strawberries. The kind you find at the farmers market or roadside stands in June? Juicy, ruby-red, sun-sweetened perfection.
And guess what? These little fruits aren’t just tasty—they’re bursting with nutrition. One cup of strawberries has just 46 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and a solid helping of vitamin C, manganese, and folate. Basically, they’re nature’s candy—with benefits!
Strawberries are a kid favorite for a reason—they’re sweet, snackable, and perfect for everything from lunchboxes to smoothies. Pop them straight from the basket, slice them over pancakes, or dip them in chocolate for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Quick tip: rinse local berries just before eating to keep them at peak freshness.
So go ahead—celebrate June the Santa Cruz way, one sweet, juicy bite at a time.
Berry Fun! Easy & Tasty Ways to Enjoy Strawberries with Your Crew
Strawberries are sweet, simple, and seriously fun to eat—especially when they’re local and in season. Here are some kid-approved ways to turn these ruby-red beauties into snacks, treats, and easy meals:
Strawberries + Yogurt = Yum
Top a bowl of yogurt with sliced or whole berries for a healthy snack or dessert that feels like a treat.
Strawberry Shake-Up
Blend strawberries with milk or yogurt for a quick, cool drink—perfect after a beach day or bike ride.
Fruit Salad Fun
Mix sliced strawberries with bananas, grapes, or whatever fruits you’ve got on hand for a rainbow-colored snack.
Berry on Top
Pile strawberries onto pancakes or waffles for a burst of morning sweetness (weekend brunch win!).
Chocolate-Dipped Delicious
For a special treat, dip strawberries in melted chocolate. Kids can help—and lick the spoons.
Strawberry Oatmeal Glow-Up
Stir diced berries into warm oatmeal for a sweet, fiber-filled start to the day.
Fruit Skewers
Thread strawberries onto skewers with other fruits for a snack that’s easy and fun to eat.
DIY Strawberry Pops
Puree fresh strawberries and freeze in molds for homemade popsicles—cool, sweet, and 100% summer.
Now that you’re bursting with berry ideas, the big question is—where to pick up the freshest local strawberries? Farmers markets are a fantastic option, but let’s face it, they don’t always fit into your busy week. Good news: Shopper’s Corner has your back. They bring in sweet, sun- ripened strawberries from three nearby farms, so you can grab peak-season berries anytime you’re ready—no weekend schedule shuffle required!
Looking for more uber-nutritious recipe ideas?
Sneaky Strawberry Smoothies: A Morning Win for Parents and Kids
Mornings can be a wild ride, but sending kids off with a brain-boosting, energy-lifting smoothie?
That’s a parenting win. We might not know exactly what they’re eating the rest of the day—but if we can sneak in some goodness before they head out the door, we’re off to a great start.
The best part? This smoothie is a master of disguise. Start with two kid-approved fruits—think banana, mango, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Then (shhh…) blend in a handful of spinach or a little avocado. My kids claim they “don’t like” those, but somehow, when they’re blended into a berry smoothie, they’re totally on board. Toss in some flaxseed for protein and fiber, and a touch of sweetener—and boom! You’ve got a super-powered breakfast they’ll actually drink.
Here’s a pro tip: keep your secret ingredients in the same color family as your base fruit.
Blueberries, for example, are great at hiding greens like spinach or even sprouts. A little trial and
error will help you land on the combo your crew loves most.
Stevia is a great sweetener option—since fruit already brings plenty of flavor, you’ll never notice
the aftertaste. And it keeps added sugar off the breakfast menu, which is always a win.
Cheers to happy mornings and smoothies that sneak in the good stuff!
Ingredients:
– Choose 2 fruits (2 cups total): fresh strawberries, banana, fresh or
frozen mango, blueberries, raspberries are favorites.
-Choose 1 liquid (1 cup total): rice milk, almond, soy milk, dairy milk
– Sweetener: ½- 1 tsp. stevia
– Protein Booster: 2 tbsp. flax seeds
– Options (1/2 cup total): cucumber (peel off), spinach, sunflower sprouts or avocado
Add all ingredients to a blender, food processor or Vitamix and puree until smooth.
Quick trick: premake “smoothie packs” by pre measuring and packing your solid ingredients together, placed in the freezer until ready to use.
So many ways to enjoy fresh strawberries this June! Don’t miss your chance to make the most of them!
By Elizabeth Borelli
