The strawberry is a hybrid plant that emerged naturally in France during the eighteenth century, a result of a crossing between two species from the Americas, one being the Fragaria Virginiana and the other being the Fragaria Chiloensis. The size and the high yield of the resulting hybrid have made it one of the most cultivated strawberry varieties in the world.
The strawberry is actually a pseudofruit or false fruit, as the strawberry is a result of the growth of the tissue that contains the ovaries of the strawberry flower. The real fruits of the strawberry are actually called “strawberry seeds,” which contain a single seed, each.
The strawberry is a short-lived perennial plant that reaches between 10 and 30 cm in height. Its leaves are trifoliated, meaning each leaf has three leaflets,
similar to a clover, which are edible, especially when the leaves are younger.
Low in calories and high in fiber, strawberries are the perfect snack between meals, as they help promote a feeling of fullness and curb hunger.
The strawberry has different vitamins but most notably, vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent flu and infections and strengthens the immune system. Anthocyanin, responsible for the strawberry’s color is also considered an antioxidant, preventing premature aging of the skin.
The refreshing, sweet, and aromatic fruit has a high antioxidant content compared to other fruits due to the presence of vitamin A, C, phytonutrients, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins (niacin and folic acid), and minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. It is also high in dietary fiber. However, be aware that strawberries are a highly allergenic food.
Those with allergies should avoid consuming strawberries in raw or juice form as it can trigger rashes, hives, the swelling of the nose and throat as well as headaches.
Strawberries should be picked for immediate consumption, preferably in the morning or on cool days. If they are harvested on a hot day, they will keep for a shorter time. They must be placed in the shade or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator; place an absorbent paper such as a paper towel to prevent moisture and store for two to four days.
The strawberry is a perennial herb, small and characterized by a three leaflets and small white flowers. There are two main types of strawberries: remontant (fruits grow continuously between June and October) and non-remontant strawberries (fruits only grow once a year between April and June). Remontant strawberries should be planted in the spring while the non-remontant strawberries should be planted in the late summer, typically August or September. Although the strawberry plants wither in the fall, the roots of the strawberry lay dormant underground, and return to bloom as soon as spring arrives.
Strawberries can be planted in extensive cultivation or fields, but will also flower in pots, wooden planters, or barrels.
Plant strawberries on a cool day, as these atmospheric conditions will put less stress on the plants when transplanted. If you have to store some plants before planting, choose a cool place without direct sunlight, and keep the roots moist but not soggy. On the day of planting, remove any damaged roots and trim the larger ones so they do not exceed 10-12 cm I length. Remove all flowers, stalks and old leaves, placing the strawberries in a container with little water until they are ready to be planted. Strawberries should be planted on the ground with the roots down, forming a fan around the center of the plant. However, keep in mind that if the strawberry is planted to shallowly, the crown may dry but if planted too deeply, the roots will rot. Once the plant is well positioned, compact the soil around the plant and water well.
Strawberries should be planted on the ground with the roots down, forming a fan around the center of the plant. However, keep in mind that if the strawberry is planted to shallowly, the crown may dry but if planted too deeply, the roots will rot. Once the plant is well positioned, compact the soil around the plant and water well. Strawberries need to be well watered at least once a week or whenever precipitation is less than 2.5 cm in a period of a week. Try to irrigate the plants in the morning so the leaves are dry before nightfall, avoiding possible diseases.
Strawberries need to be well watered at least once a week or whenever precipitation is less than 2.5 cm in a period of a week. Try to irrigate the plants in the morning so the leaves are dry before nightfall, avoiding possible diseases. Picking strawberries is a delicate operation, as strawberries are fragile fruits. Start by picking a strawberry with your thumb and forefinger and pulling with a slight twist. Let the strawberry roll gently into the palm of your hand and repeat until 3 or 4 strawberries are picked. Place the strawberries carefully in a container, careful to avoid overfilling and damaging the strawberries at the bottom. Only harvest strawberries that are completely red. Strawberries that show signs of sunburn, insect damage, appear to be rotten or have any other defects should e removed and discarded. Strawberries should be picked for immediate consumption, preferably in the morning or on cool days. If harvested during a hot day, the strawberries will not keep as long and are likely to spoil. Place harvested strawberries in the shade or in the refrigerator and keep for up to three days.
Different varietals of strawberries can grow in a varied number of temperature ranges. Some can grow in warmer regions, but low temperatures during winter are necessary with temperatures ideally not exceeding 22 degrees Celsius on average during fruiting. Sunny days and cold nights are believed to lead to the best tasting strawberries.
In regions with temperate, subtropical or tropical altitudes, strawberries can be grown with relative ease. In regions where the temperature is not low during winter, seedlings can be placed in a refrigerated environment at 4 degrees Celsius for 15-20 days before being planted.
Stawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside?
