Meghan Telpner, Certified Nutritionist ~ This is a great early summer treat. In Canada, it is easy to find locally grown rhubarb and strawberries at your local farmer’s market ... Strawberries, like other berries, are famous in the phytonutrient world as a rich source of phenols. They also serve as potent antioxidants that have repeatedly been shown to help protect cell structures in the body and to prevent oxygen damage in all of the body's organ systems. Strawberries' unique phenol content makes them a heart-protective fruit, an anti-cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into one ...

The anti-inflammatory properties of strawberry include the ability of phenols in this fruit to lessen activity of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, or COX. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin or ibuprofen block pain by blocking this enzyme, whose over-activity has been shown to contribute to unwanted inflammation, such as that which is involved in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Unlike drugs that are COX-inhibitors, however, strawberries do not cause intestinal bleeding.

Rhubarb's red stalks have purgative or laxative properties. A normal serving size of rhubarb can keep the body regular. Rhubarb is high in calcium, more than a comparable cup of milk. Rhubarb is also a good source of Vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

This can be made in a large 8x8 pan or in individual ramikens.

• 3 cups strawberries (havled or quartered depending on size)
• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 1/2 cup honey

Directions: Mix together in a large mixing bowl and place in 8x8 ungreased pan

• 1/2 cup flour (I recommend brown rice flour, quinoa flour or coconut flour or a mix of all three)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (I recommend sucanat, an unrefined cane sugar)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp all spice
• 1/4- 1/3 cup cold pressed, virgin coconut oil

Directions: Mix ingredients together until crumbly. You may wish to cut them together with a knife if your coconut oil is particularly hard. Sprinkle over fruit mix. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes until golden.

Health Benefits above courtesy of http://www.whfoods.com/

Meghan Telpner is a Certified Nutritionist and Holistic Lifestyle Consultant offering various classes and nutrition oriented services: "Through my nutrition and lifestyle consultations, I introduce my clients to new information, new foods, new life skills, and do my best to inspire a fresh outlook that catalyzes positive change ultimately impacting the way they live the rest of their lives."  Visit Meghan's Website for more information.