Strawberries

The Fruit

The strawberry grows on a plant called garden strawberry; this plant was first cultivated and bred in Brittany and France way back in 1740. The plant’s fruit has a stunning aroma and the fruit itself looks very nice. bothe of these qualities made strawberry an instant hit. Today strawberries are worldwide known because literally everybody loves them – just try finding someone that doesn’t. They are bright red colored, and when sliced, they reveal a juicy pink flesh that emits a distinct exuberant aroma.

Strawberries come in different shapes, sizes, and even colors. Yes, strawberries aren’t always red – they come in different varieties. They are grown worldwide since the strawberry plant can be planted in almost all places and is an easy plant to grow. You don’t need expensive fertilizers and pesticides to make this plant survive and prosper.  Pick the right spot in your garden (preferably one that receives lots of sun), partly sandy soil, and of course, the right season (early to midspring) and you can have your own strawberry garden in your backyard.  Just make sure that you give them more water when they are bearing their fruits.

A strawberry is probably the most famous fruit in the world. They are grown in almost every country in the world. Among them – USA is the country that has the biggest strawberry production and cultivation of them all. They produced over 1,148,530 tons of strawberries in 2008 followed by Turkey with 261,078 tons.

Variety of Strawberry Products

Because strawberries are so popular they are used in many different products and forms. First of course consuming them fresh, then you can purchase them frozen, preserved, and dried. Strawberries are also a popular addition to milk (strawberry milk). These are also made into juices, jams, and syrups. Strawberries also make the best pies, strawberry shortcakes, gelatin, smoothies, ice creams, and many other foods! These are also a famous topping to cakes and cupcakes. They are also used in chocolate fondues which is my favorite :).

Everybody loves strawberries

Health Benefits Of Strawberries:  A Must in Your Diet

Apart from being incredibly tasty, strawberries are also healthy.  Here are some good reasons why you should include strawberries in your diet.

Strawberries contain as much potassium as bananas! Yes, that means that they are good for pregnant women. If your diet is rich in potassium you do’t have to worry about mineral imbalance, high blood pressure, muscle dysfunction, and heart diseases. They can also make your eyes healthier - prevent vision loss, ocular pressure and eye problems. They are also is rich in Vitamin C, with 84 mg of it in every 152 grams of strawberries. Vitamin C defends your body against harmful diseases and is a powerful antioxidant.

The antioxidants in strawberries are in fact extremely plenty. To name a few: flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), vitamin C, folate, and anthocyanin which has been proven to be anti-carcinogenic substance and could therefore prevent cancer. A study showed that a daily consumption of strawberries has hindered and eventually stopped the growth of cancer cells in some patients. These substances also destroy free radicals that can negatively affect our bodies (brain dysfunction and aging). These antioxidants can also prevent and treat arthritis and gout.

Another substance that is strongly needed by pregnant women is folate, it prevents birth defects and provides nourishment for the baby. The fiber content of strawberries, its phytochemicals and the fact that they contains 0% fat prevent heart diseases. The Vitamin B present in this fruit makes the cardiac muscle stronger. Magnesium and potassium in them prevent high blood pressure.

Strawberries also rejuvenate and detoxify your skin and make it more beautiful. By cleansing our skin they also prevent acne and pimples. Strawberries also contain Omega-3  and Omega-6 fatty acids which are also present in fish oil and are known for their benefits to the heart, skin, and brain. This fruit is also rich in phosphorus that is needed by our teeth and bones.

Strawberry Nutritional Values

(per 1 cup or 152 g of halved strawberries)

48.6 Calories

Dietary Fibers:  3.0 g

Sugars:  7.4 g

Total Fat:  0.4 g

Protein:  1.0 g

Vitamin A:  18.2 IU

Vitamin C:  89.4 mg

Vitamin E:  0.4 mg

Vitamin K:  3.3 mcg

Niacin:  0.6 mg

Folate:  36.5 mcg

Vitamin B6:  0.1 mg

Pantothenic Acid:  0.2 mg

Choline:  8.7 mg

Betaine:  0.3 mg

Calcium:  24.3 mg

 Iron:  0.6 mg

Magnesium:  19.8 mg

Phosphorus:  36.5 mg

Potassium:  233 mg

Sodium:  1.5 mg

Zinc:  0.2 mg

Phytosterols:  18.2 mg

Mangenese:  0.6 mg

Selenium:  0.6 mcg

Fluoride:  6.7 mcg

Water:  138 g

Strawberry Juice Recipe

Ingridients:

• 10 fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon of lemon extract
• 100 ml of cold water
• 2 tablespoons of white sugar or honey
• Ice cubes
• Strawberry slices (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Wash clean the strawberries and prepare a blender.
2. Blend together the strawberries, lemon extract, cold water, and sugar or honey. Make sure to mix thoroughly.
3. Pour into a glass or small pitcher and refrigerate for an hour or two.
4. Drop some ice cubes for an ice-chilled juice effect and also drop strawberry slices for garnish. You can also garnish it on the rim of the glass.
5. Enjoy.

ENJOY!

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