The strawberry is loved by young and old alike and is an indispensable part of the most popular desserts, especially in summer. However, as popular as the red berry is, most people don't know too much about these aromatic fruits.
Botanically, the strawberry is not a berry but a collective nut fruit. This is due to the seeds that lie on the outside of the skin of the strawberry.
Since they consist of 90% water, strawberries are low in calories and particularly suitable for weight loss. You can find out what else the red fruits can do and how you can best plant them in your own garden in the following article.
Where do strawberries actually come from?
The name of the delicious fruit comes from the Latin, where strawberries were called Fragaria. However, the history of strawberries goes back further than the Romans. Strawberries were already collected and consumed in the Stone Age. However, the berries of that time were more similar in size to today's wild strawberries. In the Middle Ages, strawberries finally began to be cultivated and farmed in a targeted manner.
The unmistakable properties of strawberries
The strawberry belongs to the rose family (scientifically known as Rosaceae). Its flowers are white to slightly yellow in color. The size of the plant varies among different varieties. The wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca in Latin) is much smaller than the garden strawberry.
How healthy is the strawberry?
Most people are aware that fruit is generally very healthy. Sweet strawberries are no exception. Fresh strawberries are composed of 90 percent water, but the remaining 10 percent contains plenty of fiber and vitamins.
One serving of strawberries (about 100 to 200 grams) thus contributes to a balanced diet, which should include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Since strawberries are also low in calories, they are suitable for those watching their figures.
Strawberry nutrients per 100 grams
Did you know that strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges and lemons? In addition, strawberries are rich in calcium, folic acid, magnesium, and iron. Strawberries are basically very low in calories and are therefore considered a "slimming agent." Thus, this fruit is excellent as a healthy breakfast in the muesli .
- Water 90 g
- Fat 0.4 g
- Potassium 147 mg
- Calcium 26 mg
- Magnesium 15 mg
- Vitamin C 64 mg
In the following table, you will find the energy and sugar content of strawberries per 100 g.
Strawberries are a good source of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, micronutrients, and fiber. Epidemiological and clinical studies have associated these components with improved cardiovascular risk profiles.
Human intervention studies with aronia, cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries (either fresh or as juice or freeze-dried) or purified anthocyanin extracts have shown significant improvements in LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolism. 1
Benefits have been observed in healthy individuals and those with existing metabolic risk factors. Mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects presumably include upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, decreased activity of carbohydrate digestive enzymes, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibition of inflammatory gene expression and foam cell formation.
Although the data are limited, they support the recommendation of berries as an essential fruit group in a heart-healthy diet.
| Energy (kcal) | Glucose (g) | Fructose (g) | Sucrose (g) | Total sugar (g) | |
| Raw strawberry | 32 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 1 | 5.4 |
| Raw wild strawberry | 32 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1 | 5.4 |
| Strawberry juice | 35 | 2 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 5.3 |
| Strawberry nectar | 54 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 10.9 | 2.1 |
| Strawberry jam | 258 | 21.9 | 18.7 | 13.5 | 58.7 |
| Canned strawberries | 70 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 3 | 16 |
How do I best store my strawberries?
Strawberries are
Once mold is present, it is better to dispose of the strawberries, as the spores may have already spread to the other strawberries in an invisible way. Alternatives to refrigeration include boiling or freezing the fruit.
When freezing, care should be taken to wash and dry the fruit thoroughly beforehand. Otherwise, the strawberries will freeze together. This way, the strawberries will last for about a year. After thawing, the fruits tend to be relatively soft. They are particularly suitable for pureeing and use in smoothies, for example.
How can I use strawberries?
Strawberries can be used in various ways. Of course, the fruits can first be enjoyed alone. The popular combination of strawberries dipped in sugar or chocolate always tastes good, but it may not necessarily be the healthiest option.
If you are looking for a tasty alternative for a healthy breakfast , the combination of strawberries and porridge or cereal is the right choice. The wide range of products offered by Verival provides many combination options for every taste. Strawberries are also perfect toppings for any breakfast creation.
Vegan Strawberry Chia Overnight Oats with Cocoa (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 60 g (approx. 6 tbsp) Verival strawberry chia porridge
- 60 g (approx. 2 tbsp) soy yogurt or other plant-based alternative
- 100 ml soy drink or other plant-based alternative
- 3 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 banana sliced
- possibly agave syrup or maple syrup as desired
Topping
- 1/2 banana sliced
- Peanut butter as desired
- fresh strawberries as desired
Preparation
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Fill the jar with around 60g of Verival strawberry chia porridge (approx. 6 tbsp) and 3 tsp of cocoa powder. Mix well.
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Cut the banana into thin slices and add about half to the porridge.
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Top up the jar with 2 tablespoons of soy yogurt and 100 ml of plant-based drink and mix well.
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Close the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least half an hour.
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(In the morning) before enjoying, add peanut butter, the second half of the banana, and fresh strawberries as toppings – done!
For example, strawberries can be added to one of the delicious Verival porridges, such as the sour cherry cocoa oat porridge or Bircher porridge. The selection of Verival cereals also offers both athletes and vegans, as well as those with gluten intolerance, a way to combine grains with fruit.
In addition, strawberries work well with other fruits such as blueberries , raspberries , currants , blackberries and cranberries as a colorful and healthy topping.
Can I plant strawberries in my garden?
If you have a green thumb and are interested in growing your own fruit in the garden, you can also plant strawberries yourself and thus avoid going to the market or discount stores.
Tips for successful strawberry cultivation at home
Growing
This way, they can gather strength in the remaining warm weeks until October to survive the winter. However, strawberries can also be planted in spring. When planting, ensure that the plants are inserted deep enough so that the heart of the plant remains above the surface of the soil.
Organic and sustainable cultivation
Those who opt for organic and sustainable cultivation of the plant should note that the use of any chemical pesticides and fertilizers is prohibited. To fight pests effectively, natural methods and tools can be employed.
For example, lubricating soap helps against mites, while straw can be used as a base to deter snails and keep the soil dry. Moreover, sufficient space should be left between the plants to prevent the strawberry plants from infecting each other with fungi.
Follow the calendar and weather
Depending on the weather and temperature, the strawberry season varies from year to year. Flowering usually occurs in April and May, with the season ending in July. If you collect wild strawberries, you only have two months to do so, as the harvest period is in June and July, with the bearing varieties found along forest edges and clearings.
Did you know? Interesting facts about strawberries
Here are a few interesting facts about the red fruits for the truly curious:
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Did you know that strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges?
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Did you know that strawberries are botanically not berries at all? Instead, they belong to the group of so-called aggregate fruits.
- Did you know that strawberries reproduce when animals such as hedgehogs, foxes, or birds eat their fruit and excrete the tiny nuts undigested?
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1.Basu A, Rhone M, Lyons TJ. Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Nutrition Reviews . Published online March 2010:168-177. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00273.x
