THE glorious smell of succulent, and juicy Hampshire strawberries in our local farmers' shop transported me straight back to our own farm, where, among other organic produce, we grew seven-and-a-half acres of strawberries.

We were one of the pioneers of the 'pick your own' movement, and I devised lots of ways of using up what was left.

While there is nothing quite like starting the day with a freshly-picked bowl of the sweetest, juiciest and most delicious of all fruits, most people don't realise how much nutrition is packed into each and every strawberry.

Six large strawberries have more vitamin C than an orange. Not only that, they contain around 20% of the folic acid one needs per day. But the list of health benefits doesn't stop there.

A study carried out in the states by the Department of Agricultural Nutrition Centre on Aging, found that special drinks made from strawberry boosted aging women's antioxidant capacity by 20 percent.

Antioxidants provide protection by neutralizing free radicals--substances in the body that can damage cells and lead to disease.

In another study, strawberries were found to have the greatest total antioxidant capacity compared to melons, apples, bananas, oranges or grapes. To enjoy the taste of summer in the long winter months ahead, select a few nice looking strawberries, roll them in caster sugar and freeze them.

They will keep for six months and turn an ordinary glass of white wine or champagne into a celebratory treat.

Strawberries pureed with a little sugar or honey and frozen in ice cube trays can be defrosted and used as a base for light mousses and strawberry cream desserts.

For a delicious summer party dessert, serve whole strawberries with some melted marzipan or melted chocolate as a dip.

Strawberries are a natural companion to watercress for a refreshing salad with classic French dressing. Add slivers of stilton for a more substantial salad.

The Secretts Farm is currently open for 'PIY' strawberries. Telephone 01483 520555.