My friends in the southern states are already picking strawberries, and I'm jealous. But in a few more weeks, we northerners will have our own share of spring's sweetest crop.

Strawberries are luscious and juicy enough to be dessert, but unlike shortcake, they love you back. They're rich in vitamin C, manganese and folate, and they pack a powerful punch of antioxidants too. Low in calories but naturally sweet, they're an obvious choice for curbing that sugar craving.

Strawberries are highly perishable, so for best quality, search for them locally. Hit your neighborhood farmer's market or tap your inner-farmer and visit a pick-your-own farm. Because strawberries are on the "dirty dozen" list of most pesticide contaminated produce, it's also smart to choose organic when possible.

Once you've gotten your strawberries home, enjoy them right away, because they go bad quickly:

• Chop fruit (including strawberries) on Sunday night, and enjoy a fruit salad all week long.
• Toss them with lettuce for a sweet salad.
• Add them to smoothies and shakes.
• Throw a handful on your cereal or mix them into your yogurt.

At just 36 calories in 10 strawberries, finding new ways to enjoy spring's sweetest fruit is both fun and healthy!