With their vibrant red hue and juicy deliciousness, it’s easy to understand why strawberries have long been associated with romance, love and passion. The seasonal fruit has a natural sweetness and bright flavor that’s earned it the moniker, “nature’s candy.”
Strawberries are one of the most popular ingredients to adorn and flavor a wide variety of culinary creations. Here are an assortment of strawberry confections you can buy locally, a super-easy recipe for making chocolate-dipped strawberries, followed by information about the annual 11-day Strawberry Festival in Plant City that begins February 29.
- Venice’s Edible Arrangements offers a selection of strawberry-infused treats that make delicious gifts for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion. Two beautiful gift box choices are the Rainbow and Butterflies with Dipped Fruit, and Strawberry Cheesecake Indulgence. ediblearrangements.com/stores/1435-e-venice-ave-venice-fl-34292.
- Englewood’s Space Cakes Bakery (Givemespacecakes.com) crafts artisanal strawberry (and many other flavors) of cheesecakes, and Key lime pies–all made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Plus, delivery is an option!
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries are a popular indulgent treat that you can easily make at home! See recipe below.
The Legacy of the Florida Strawberry
For nearly 90 years the Florida Strawberry Festival® has welcomed visitors from throughout the Sunshine State, and the world, to celebrate the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry, along with our local Florida strawberry harvest.
The Festival truly represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when fairs and festivals brought communities together through celebrations of their harvests. It has grown in popularity year after year as it continues to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry.
The 11-day Florida Strawberry Festival runs from February 29-March 10, 2024, in Plant City. Learn more at Flstrawberryfestival.com.
Recipe for Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Making your own Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries is simple. Remember to use the freshest strawberries you can find!
Ingredients:
1. Fresh strawberries
2. Dark or Milk Chocolate (your preference)
Instructions:
1. Melt chocolate in a small pan on low heat, or slowly in microwave.
2. Use a skewer to hold each strawberry as you dip and twirl it in the melted chocolate.
3. Set carefully on parchment paper to cool.
4. Once cool, enjoy! Or cover and place in refrigerator for later.