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What are pink strawberries?

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A cluster of pink strawberries with an overlay of Sue's headshot and the words "What are pink strawberries?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you seen these little pink strawberries at Costco or your local grocery store?

They look like underripe strawberries, but they’re not. These little gems are actually pineberries – which is a fusion of the words “pineapple” and “strawberry” although there isn’t any pineapple in them. In fact, the pineberry belongs to the strawberry family and is a cross between the strawberries native to North America (Fragaria virginiana) and strawberries native to Chile (Fragaria chiloensis). Inside, the flesh is white. You may also see these cute little berries called pineberry strawberries or hula pineberries.

What do pineberries taste like?

Pineberries have a softer and creamier texture than a red strawberry. There are subtle aromas and flavours of pineapple (thus the name pineberry), pear and apricot.

What about nutrition?

Both pineberries and strawberries contain vitamin C, folate, fibre and potassium. Strawberries will have higher levels of “anthocyanins” – which are the healthy plant compounds that give strawberries their beautiful red colour. Since they’re more rare than red strawberries, pineberries tend to be more expensive.

How to eat pineberries?

Ripe pineberries will have a blush pink colour and bright red seeds. Eat pineberries the same way you would strawberries! Add them to your yogurt bowl, toss into a salad or add a handful to a snack board.

Will you try them? Have you tried them? Tell me what you think in the comments!

 

Book Reviews

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There’s no shortage of food and nutrition books out there! Here’s a sampling of my favourites over the years.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More than We Think
By: Brian Wansink, Ph.D., 2006

Hands down, this is one of my all-time favourite nutrition books! Wansink shares his entertaining, real-life research from Cornell University which sheds light on the “invisible” cues that make us eat more that we really need.  The book is filled with easy, practical tips for eating more mindfully, such including using smaller plates, taking “pause points”, and super-sharing instead of super-sizing.

10 Habits that Mess up a Woman’s Diet: Simple Strategies to Eat Right, Lose Weight, and Reclaim Your Health
By: Elizabeth Somer, M.A., RD, 2006

Somer shares common scenarios that promote overeating, such as nibbling while cooking, and finishing off your kids’ plate of food. Many of us can easily identify with these habits. You’ll find great insights from a dietitian and expert advice to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Healthy Starts Here! 140 Recipes that Will Make You Feel Great
By: Mairlyn Smith, PHEc., 2011

Not only is Mairyln Smith one of the funniest gals I know, but she also knows how to create delicious recipes that are absolutely no fail. Smith gives the 101 on must-have kitchen toys as well as a glossary of cooking terms in case, as she notes, you missed grade 8 Home Ec class. From apples and beans to shallots and yogurt, this book offers easy everyday recipes that will wow your family and guests.

GO unDIET – 50 small actions for lasting weight loss
By: Gloria Tsang, RD, 2010

Leave it to Gloria to write a book that is so easy to read and understand! Tsang offers practical tips for weight loss and answers common questions about fat, carbs and artificial sweeteners. This is a great go-to nutrition book for anyone who wants to lose weight and eat better.

 

Cook!
By: Mary Sue Waisman, MSc., RD and Dietitians of Canada, 2011

With over 275 recipes, this cookbook is perfect for the beginner and advanced cook. Waisman, a dietitian and trained chef, compiled this collection of recipes which were submitted by dietitians using home grown Canadian ingredients. Look for my Baked Salmon with Maple Syrup, and Couscous Primavera recipes, as well as my daughter’s delightful Piggy Pancakes.

Foods that Fight Cancer: Preventing Cancer through Diet
By: Richard Béliveau, Ph.D., and Denis Gringas, Ph.D., 2006

Two cancer experts share their passion for cancer prevention. Referencing the scientific literature, Béliveau and Gringas detail the benefits of various foods including garlic, green tea, berries and chocolate. At times, the content is reminiscent of my university chemistry classes, but the photography is stunning. Be sure to try the recipes in their follow up book called Cooking with Foods that Fight Cancer, 2006.

In Defense of Food
By: Michael Pollan, 2008

Fans of Pollan’s widely acclaimed book The Omnivore’s Dilemma (2006) will not be disappointed by this book. On the first page, Pollan sums his advice in seven simple words: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. Pollan promotes whole foods and values eating based on tradition, common sense, and the wisdom of our mothers and grandmothers. There are a few nutrition inaccuracies in this book, but all in all, a great read. Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (2009) is the Reader’s Digest version of the book.

Keep your Eyes on Psyllium

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Health Canada has recently permitted a new health claim linking the consumption of psyllium fibre to a reduction of blood cholesterol. A sample claim is: “Psyllium fibre helps lower cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease. 1 cup (30 g) of Brand X cereal with psyllium supplies 50% of the daily amount of fibre shown to help lower cholesterol.” The “daily amount” is 7 g of psyllium fibre. To make this claim, the food must contain at least 1.75 g of psyllium soluble fibre per serving size as well as meet other specific nutrient criteria.

According to Health Canada, increased psyllium intake could be beneficial for adults who have normal or high blood cholesterol levels. Psyllium is a grain similar to wheat and oats, and is a concentrated source of soluble fibre.

Only a few breakfast cereals currently contain psyllium fibre, but you can bet we’ll be seeing more psyllium-containing products hit the grocery shelves soon. For more information, read http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/claims-reclam/assess-evalu/psyllium-cholesterol-eng.php

2011 Nutrition Recap

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Looking back on the year, here are just a few of my favourite nutrition news and trends from home and abroad.