Berry Crazy

They're renowned the world over for their aphrodisiac properties.

As the strawberry festival kicks off in the city from today,we explore some of the interesting strawberry preparations available in the market

They’re renowned the world over for their aphrodisiac properties. A popular addition to drinks,desserts,salads,they are also packed with nutrients,making them great for health. Strawberries are the rage this season,with freshly picked ones adding some colour to every corner fruit stall. While strawberry ice creams,shakes and pastries can be found at every second bakery or ice-cream parlour,the fruit is fast making its presence felt across the city in a brand new look by becoming a part of some innovative dishes. Here’s a look at some interesting unique strawberry-based dishes and drinks,doing the rounds in the city:

Virgin Daiquiri:

This refreshing mocktail is made using fresh strawberry juice,strawberry syrup,lots of crushed ice,and a hint of lemon juice. It can also be converted into a cocktail by adding some vodka. This drink is very popular over the summer. It is served chilled,so it cools one down, says Nikheel Shirodkar,Executive Chef,Ibis,Pune. We store the fresh strawberries in the winter and then use the strawberry extract to make juice in the summer, he adds.

Strawberry Tiramisu:

Giving a fruity twist to the popular Italian dessert is the Strawberry Tiramisu. Made with fresh strawberries and strawberry syrup,along with the conventional Tiramisu ingredients. An egg-less version of this dish can be found at Carmane and Citrine Lounge,The Radisson Hotel,Pune

Strawberry Phirni:

The name of this dessert alone is enough to invite a second look. The traditional Indian sweet is transformed by simply adding a puree made from fresh strawberries. It can be found at The Great Kabab Factory,The Radisson Hotel,Pune. Since strawberries are so easily available in Pune,being close to Mahabaleshwar,we thought: why not add something new to this traditional dish? The strawberry phirni has proved to be very popular,particularly among foreigners, says Arindam Bhattacharya,Executive Chef,Radisson Hotel,Pune.

Strawberry Shrikhand:

The Amrakhand may have been around for a while,but its now time for the strawberry shrikhand. This yoghurt based dessert,an integral part of the Maharashtrian cuisine can be revamped by simply adding some strawberry pulp. The strawberry shrikhand will be introduced for the first time at the Strawberry Festival to be held in Pune from February 26 to March 2.

Pink Blast

For the second year in a row,Pune will be hosting the strawberry festival,organised by the Strawberry Grower’s Association. The event will be held from February 26 to March 2,between 10 am and 8 pm,at the Acharya Atre Sabhagruha. Fresh strawberries from Mahabaleshwar will be sold at the festival,along with products like jams,jellies and crushes. The festival gives an impetus to the sale of the fruit. It is also targeted at breaking the elitist notion associated with strawberries,as they will be made available at the festival at lower rates says Balasaheb Bhilare,President,(SGA)

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