Hello, Lykkers! If you’re like us, you probably love biting into a sweet, juicy strawberry on a warm spring day.

But did you know there’s much more to these red beauties than just their taste? Let's dive into the world of strawberries, from their origins to how we can enjoy them at their best.

Origin and History of Strawberries

We all know strawberries as one of the most popular fruits, but their history is fascinating. Strawberries were originally native to South America, with wild varieties growing in the Northern Hemisphere of Europe and Asia. The strawberries we enjoy today are actually a hybrid variety developed in France. This happened when two types of strawberries – one from Virginia (USA) and the other from Chile – were crossbred.

The result was the large, sweet strawberries we recognize today, and it’s now one of the most widely cultivated fruits worldwide, especially in places like China, the US, and Mexico.

How Strawberries Grow

Strawberries are perennials, meaning they continue to grow year after year. These plants can grow from 10 to 40 cm tall and are covered with soft, yellowish hairs. The leaves of strawberry plants are often thick and have a dark green color on top, while their undersides are lighter and covered with some fuzz. Strawberry plants produce white flowers that later give rise to the juicy red fruits we love.

Surprisingly, the part of the strawberry we eat isn’t actually the fruit – it’s a part called the receptacle. The tiny seeds you see on the surface of a strawberry are the actual fruits!

Harvesting Strawberries

When it comes to harvesting, timing is crucial. To enjoy the best flavor, strawberries should be picked when they are 80% ripe. If you’re using them for processing, it’s fine to harvest them a little earlier, at about 70% color. Harvesting in the early morning or late evening is ideal to avoid the heat of the day. When picking, be sure to leave a short stem – about half to one centimeter – to avoid damaging the other strawberries.

Storage Tips for Strawberries

We know how delicate strawberries are. These juicy fruits don’t store well and can spoil quickly if not handled with care. The best way to store them is by keeping them in a cool place, just above freezing, like in your fridge. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage. When washing strawberries, gently rinse them and remove the stems – this prevents vitamin C loss and keeps the fruits fresh for a longer time.

Strawberries: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Not only are strawberries delicious, but they are packed with nutrients too. Every 100 grams of fresh strawberries provide only 33 calories and are rich in Vitamin C, offering 71% of your daily value. They also contain manganese, folate, and small amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals. The high water content in strawberries – around 91% – makes them refreshing, especially in the warmer months. With fiber and antioxidants, they help boost our immunity and maintain healthy skin.

Why We Love Strawberries

What makes strawberries so irresistible? For us, it's the perfect balance of sweetness and slight tartness. Plus, their bright red color and distinct aroma make them a sensory delight. These fruits are versatile too – they can be eaten fresh, used in desserts, smoothies, or even savory dishes like salads. Their health benefits, from boosting Vitamin C intake to promoting digestion, make them a must-have in our diet.

Fun Fact: Strawberries and Their Plant Compounds

Strawberries aren’t just tasty; they’re also packed with plant compounds that benefit our health. They contain anthocyanins, which are responsible for their red color, as well as other polyphenols like ellagic acid and flavonoids. These compounds have antioxidant properties and can contribute to better heart health and reduced inflammation. So next time you bite into a strawberry, know that it’s doing good for your body too!

Why Strawberries Should Be Your Go-To Snack

Strawberries are not just a tasty treat – they’re packed with nutrients that benefit our health. With their refreshing flavor and rich content of Vitamin C and antioxidants, they’re a great addition to any meal. Next time you're at the store, make sure to grab some extra strawberries. There’s nothing better than enjoying these naturally sweet and juicy bites straight from the earth!

Farm Workers Grow And Pick Billions Of Strawberries In California - Strawberry Harvesting

Video by Tony 98 - Discovery