Strawberries are a potent source of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, ellagic acid (an anti- cancer compound),vitamin B5, and magnesium. They're also good for cleansing the system. But most of all, they're great for eating. Here are some tips to optimize your strawberry enjoyment:

Buying and Storing Tips: Try to buy organic strawberries, if you can get them, and make sure the berries you buy are unblemished and evenly, deeply colored. Avoid berries with green or white tips, or with soft, runny spots. The best test for perfect ripeness is the fragrance. It should be strong and, ideally, downright intoxicating.

Strawberries are highly perishable, but they also lose flavor when stored in the refrigerator. What to do, then? Store them in a loosely covered container in a dark, cool place and try to eat them as soon as possible. If you feel you must refrigerate them, clean and cut them in half, then sprinkle them with a little sugar. Then refrigerate them in a tightly lidded container. You can also freeze strawberries whole in sealed plastic bags.

Culinarily Speaking: The best way to clean strawberries is to wipe them with a damp paper towel. (If you immerse them in water, they will absorb it, and their flavor will become dilute.)