HEALTHY ROOTS — Strawberry time is here. For the Haudenosaunee, the juicy red berry is culturally significant.
According to the Haudenosaunee Creation Story, Skywoman brought strawberries with her as she fell from Sky World onto the back of the turtle. When Muskrat delivered to her that tiny clump of earth in his paw, she planted the seeds she carried. And when she died and was buried, they say, strawberries and medicines sprung up from the ground above her feet.
Strawberries announce the arrival of summer, and ceremonies are done at longhouses throughout the territory to celebrate the gifts Creator continues to provide, and to honour the berries who continue to do their job as He instructed.
A significant part of the strawberry ceremony is the sharing of strawberry juice. This delicious drink is refreshing, simple to make and highly nutritious.
In fact, strawberries have been researched for having a beneficial impact on blood sugar levels. Research has shown that one cup of strawberries can actually reduce the impact of elevations to your blood sugar from simple sugars. The evidence points to something in strawberries called polyphenols which are responsible in regulating blood sugar responses.
The combination of phytonutrients in strawberries is also proven to reduce inflammation. One large-scale study showed consuming strawberries three times a week can give provide anti-inflammatory benefits as part of your everyday holistic healthy choices to fend off things like joint pain and arthritis.
Here is a simple recipe for Strawberry Juice – the Healthy Roots way.
You will need…
Wild or Farm Strawberries
Maple Syrup
Water
A giant juice jug
Instructions
- Wash berries well and drain. Pick off or cut away stems.
- Place berries in a huge bowl and mash em up!
- Add maple syrup to the mash. Flavour it to your taste. A little or a lot!
- Transfer the berry mash syrup to a juice jug and fill it with water.
- Stir it up, pour a glass, drink and think happy thoughts that Creation and our Creator continues to provide!
