Strawberries offer many beauty benefits. The mashed pulp can be applied directly to sunburn to alleviate redness and can also be used to fade freckles, when made into a juice, strawberries can be applied directly to the teeth to help remove the stains caused by red wine or tobacco.

Strawberries contain the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E - making them excellent immune-boosters, thereby helping the body fight against cold, flu and other infections. Strawberries are high in fibre, which helps to bulk stools, moving them faster through the colon.

Strawberry and balsamic vinegar pudding
1 punnet strawberries
caster sugar to taste
100ml/4 fl oz good quality balsamic vinegar
200g/7oz mascapone cheese

Arrange the strawberries in a deep dish. Sprinkle with sugar and add the vinegar. Stir, cover and leave to stand for 6 hours. Serve with the mascarpone cheese. Serves 4-6