In Honor of the Strawberry
The word strawberry comes from the Old English streawberige because the plant sends out runners which could be compared to pieces of straw. Although they have been around for thousands of years, they weren’t actively cultivated until the Renaissance period in Europe. Strawberries are native to North America, and the Indians used them in many dishes. The first colonists in America shipped the native larger strawberry plants back to Europe as early as 1600.
Not only are strawberries tasty, but they are also low in calories and very nutritious. They are high in vitamin C, which has been shown to be a deterrent to some forms of cancer and also helps prevent oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol. They are a good source of fiber. But, most importantly, they are one of the few sources, along with grapes and cherries, of ellagic acid, a compound which has been shown to prevent carcinogens from turning healthy cells into cancerous ones.
Strawberries are also rich in salicylic acid (otherwise known as Beta Hydroxy Acid) and is the key additive in many skin care products as it causes the dead skin to slough off more readily preventing pores from clogging.

Pick ‘em Right
Look for strawberries that are plump, bright red in color and have fresh green caps.

Keep ‘em Cool
To maintain flavor, store strawberries loosely covered and unwashed in the refrigerator. Just before eating, rinse with cool water.

Strawberry Weights & Conversions
One 16-ounce clamshell container = 3 cups or about 18 whole berries, therefore: 1 pint (2 cups) = 11 ounces or about 12 whole berries

**** Our Garden Harvest Strawberry Clay Mask is now on sale. ****

Sale Price $10.80

Sale Starts June 4, 2006 / Sale Ends June 30, 2006 / Limited to quantites on hand. Made with 50% strawberry powder that has been specifically processed for use in cosmetics. A friendly do-it-yourself product – Mix 1-2 teaspoons of dry mask with desired amount of warm water, milk or cream (yum!). Apply to clean face and let dry. Rinse and moisturize. 

Country Meadow

www.countrymeadowsoaps.com