Tips from a strawberry.

1.  Get ready for beach season with a fat free treat: Toss sliced strawberries with chopped mint and balsamic vinegar.

2.  Whip up a summery spread for bagels: Beat cream cheese, pureed berries and a dash of sugar.

3.  Give dinner a tropical twist: Toss diced strawberries and pineapple with lime juice and cilantro; serve over salmon.

4.  Try a new take on dipped strawberries: Dunk them in sour cream, then roll in brown sugar.

5.  Instead chocolate dipped strawberries: Try caramel dipped strawberries. The sweet and salty is a great combination.

6. Make a snack to share with coworkers: Spread brownie batter in a pan, swirl in warmed strawberry preserves and bake.

7.  Have strawberry shortcake for breakfast: Fill a split corn muffin with sweetened ricotta, honey and sliced strawberries.

8.  Help prevent moldy berries: Submerge strawberries in hot (125 degree) water for 30 seconds, then drain, dry and chill.

9.  Make ice pops for the weekend: Puree 4 cups berries, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup orange juice; freeze in pop molds.

10.  For brunch, spread strawberry jam on refrigerated crescent dough triangles, roll up bake.

11.  Toast the start of summer with margaritas: Blend 3 cups berries, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup tequila, some sugar and ice.

12.  Bring an antioxidant-rich salad for lunch: Toss baby spinach, walnuts and sliced strawberries with red wine vinaigrette.

13.  Hull strawberries in a flash: Push a drinking straw through the bottom of a berry to pop out the stem.

14.  Make sandwiches with peanut butter, sliced strawberries and bananas , and head to the beach for a picnic lunch.

15.  One cup of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange. Blend some into a smoothie to get your daily dose. 

16.  Chill happy hour drinks with frozen whole strawberries instead of ice. They wont dilute your cocktails.

17.  For dinner, bled strawberries into vinaigrette, then toss with arugula, chopped berries and grilled chicken.