We know that getting your 5-a-day is good for your health, and strawberries must be one of the most delicious ways to help you get there. Grab a punnet of ruby red beauties and head for the kitchen. Here are 9 light and tasty ways to enjoy this delight.

1. Home-made jelly

How about preparing a home-made strawberry jelly with whole pieces of strawberry, fresh pureed strawberries (press cooked strawberries through a sieve) and gelatine? This easy-to-make refreshing, yet special dessert will not fail to impress on a hot summer day. Just follow the instructions on the pack of gelatine (or vegetarian alternative such as agar) to know how much to use to set the amount of liquid/juices that you have.

2. Au naturel

Plain strawberries are simply lovely in season – sweet and full of flavor - and really don’t need to be buried under tons of cream. Instead of adding new ingredients to them, why not try to appreciate their natural flavor? A great way to rediscover strawberries is to mix different varieties together. You’ll be surprised by the wide range of nuances in flavors.

3. Jams and preserves

Preserve your strawberries to eat all year round, with this step-by-step strawberry jam. Or, if you'd rather not spend time slaving over a hot stove, raw strawberry jam is ready in just 15 minutes. Both make great gifts (if you can resist scoffing them yourself!)

4. Ice cream and lollies

Try a refreshing twist on a creamy classic with our strawberry & white balsamic ice cream. The sweetness of the ripe strawberries is complemented by a subtle tang, making this dinner party perfect. If you prefer your frozen pudding on a stick, then these milkshake ice pops are just the ticket. You can even pimp your pops for barbecue season with Pimm's lollies, complete with fresh cucumber and mint, strawberries and a glug of the good stuff.

5. Strawberry cake

There are a multitude of brilliant bakes that showcase the strawberry. If you want to make a truly stunning centerpiece, have a go at this step-by-step polka-dot strawberry cake or stack the berries high in Paul Hollywood's layered sponge. For an easier bake, the cream tea cake is a supersize scone. Top with lashings of cream, strawberries, and jam.

6. On Top of Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a filling and ultra-healthy breakfast food. It goes great with fresh fruit, which makes adding strawberries a welcomed addition!

7. In Bread Recipes

Adding strawberries to a favorite bread recipe boosts its sweetness factor and gives it a naturally yummy flavor. Try mixing strawberries in with a banana bread recipe for a delicious fruit-based bread!

8. In Salsa Recipes

Strawberries in salsa may sound like a strange combination, but when mixed together with red onion, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, cilantro, and salt, it creates a tasty, well-balanced sauce.

9. Served with Pancakes

Pancakes (and waffles) are fun breakfast foods, especially when moms and dads use fun cookie-cutter shapes to design the breakfast item, but the syrup used on top is nothing but sugar. Try using chopped strawberries as a syrup-substitution. It’ll still taste sweet and have have a fun look to it, too.