Jewel-red, exploding with flavor, and juicy sweet, strawberries are a staple in so many types of food, whether as a snack, in a salad, or on a cake — and even pickled by niche chefs! However you like them, here are three sweet variations featuring the oh-so-beloved berry.

Inside Out

Strawberries are the only fruit that wear their seeds on the outside — about 200 of them!

Vitamin B-erry

The ancient Romans thought strawberries had medicinal powers. They used them to treat everything from depression to fainting, fever, kidney stones, and sore throats.

Among the Thorns

Strawberries are members of the rose family, which is why they smell so sweet.

Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert

Recipe by Chaia Frishman

When I think about strawberries, the first thing that comes to mind is serving them fresh with whipped cream. But since not everyone eats them fresh, here’s a quick recipe using frozen ones. We save this dish for Pesach, but don’t make yourself wait a year to eat this. Serve it as a refreshing summer dessert.

YIELDS 10 DESSERT PORTIONS

• 1 16–24-oz (450–680-g) bag frozen strawberries
• 1 bag 16-oz (450-g) frozen rhubarb
• 1 3-oz (85-g) pkg berry-flavored Jell-o mix

Put the strawberries and rhubarb in a pot. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pot so it doesn’t burn. Bring to a slow boil and cook over medium heat until the produce is melted and soft.

Add the Jell-o mix and stir. Taste the mixture to see if it’s sweet enough. If it’s not, feel free to add a few tablespoons of sugar.

Remove from heat and let cool. I prefer to serve it chunky, but if you want it smoother, feel free to puree with an immersion blender.

Fruity Jell-O

Recipe by Faigy Grossman

Here is a popular, quick, and easy dessert recipe that my sister-in-law’s family dubbed “the good dessert.” It takes seconds to put together and is always requested!

SERVES 6–8

• 1 3-oz (85-g) pkg red Jell-o mix (any flavor)
• 1 20-oz (570-g) can crushed pineapple, half the liquid drained
• 1 16-oz (450-g) pkg frozen strawberries, defrosted and quartered
• crushed walnuts (optional)

Prepare Jell-o according to package instructions. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Chill until Jell-o firms somewhat and serve in dessert bowls. Garnish with walnuts if desired.

Strawberry-Lime Drink

Recipe by Chaya Suri Leitner

This is a cool and refreshing drink on a hot summer day.

YIELDS 1 PITCHER

• strawberries, sliced
• a few leaves of fresh mint
• ½ lime, sliced
• cold seltzer

Place strawberries, mint, and lime in a pitcher. Mix with a large spoon (I use a wooden spoon). Add cold seltzer and enjoy!

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 695)