Irresistibly tasty, juicy and refreshing strawberries they were still a favorite fruit in ancient Rome, which, due to its specific heart-shaped shape and striking red color, was associated with the goddess of love, Venus. Whether because of their appearance or for some other reason, only the Romans considered them the most powerful aphrodisiac, and discovered their healing properties, so various health problems, above all fainting, epilepsy, infections of the urinary tract, liver and digestive organs, heart diseases and blood vessels treated with the help of strawberries.
In the Middle Ages, they were worshiped in France, but also among the Christian church elite throughout Europe. The Chilean Indians also enjoyed the benefits of this delicious and medicinal fruit during the 16th century, while in North America they began to grow it in the 17th century. The first hybrid variety was produced in the 18th century, and since then, its systematic breeding began. Even today, the hedonistic power of strawberries is strong, whether they are consumed alone or in combination with other fruits, yogurt, chocolate, sugar, champagne, etc. Strawberries with whipped cream are part of the tradition of the most famous tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon. Thousands of visitors enjoy and relax with this unique delicacy during the breaks of the matches.
READ: STRAWBERRY JAM
Strawberry (lat. Fragaria vesca L.) is a fruit from the rose family, belonging to the angiosperm genus. The areas where most of the species grow (a dozen of them) belong to the northern temperate climate zone, except for one species that thrives in Chile. The division of strawberries into varieties is very complicated, given that they are short-lived, so new ones constantly appear, which disappear just as quickly. However, experts have estimated that there are approximately 20.000 varieties in the world. Strawberries are the first spring fruit, the earliest varieties of which have ripe fruits as early as the first half of May. Strawberry fruits can be of different sizes and weights. The fruit of some hybrids reaches a weight of 35 grams. The seeds of this delicacy fruit are found on the outside, not inside the fruit, making strawberries unique. One average fruit has about 200 seeds.
There are wild, that is, forest strawberries, as well as cultivated, garden species. Wild strawberries have a much smaller fruit, but are tastier and richer in ingredients beneficial to human health. Many consider them to be the best quality and tastiest forest fruit.
Medicinal properties
Strawberries are not only characteristic for their irresistible taste, but also for their medicinal properties, and apart from the fruit, the root and leaf of this fruit also have medicinal properties. About 150 to 200 grams of fresh fruit provides the body with a sufficient daily amount of vitamin C, which strengthens general immunity and is a powerful antioxidant. As such, by working together with other important ingredients contained in strawberries, it strongly defends the body against free radicals and significantly reduces the risk of malignant diseases. There are even 7 times more antioxidants in strawberries than in, for example, apples or bananas, and twice as much as in oranges and grapes. The high presence of flavonoids and phenolic acid confirms that strawberries are a good preventive measure against cancer, which makes them very effective in the fight against diabetes, heart diseases, and also in improving memory. Anthocyanin and ellagic acid, important components of strawberries, are also good preventive measures against cancer, and in addition they prevent aging, the occurrence of neurological diseases and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
B complex vitamins are very abundant in this fruit, mostly vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic and folic acid. Strawberries are rich in plant fibers, which are known as guardians of the digestive organs, the heart, good regulators of blood cholesterol levels and are the best prevention against colon cancer. When it comes to minerals, strawberries contain potassium, iron, iodine, manganese, copper and fluorine, so they have a beneficial effect on blood flow and bones and protect teeth from caries.
Consuming
First of all, fresh strawberries are recommended for consumption, because only in their fresh state do they contain all the nutrients. They are excellent for fruit salads, in combination with blackberries, raspberries, bananas. They can be eaten with oatmeal, various types of cereals, yogurt, dark chocolate or sugar. However, the most favorite dessert for most consumers is their combination with whipped cream. Fillings for many cakes and cookies are made from strawberries, as well as excellent jams, marmalades, sweet, syrups, juices, compotes. They go well with some types of alcoholic beverages, so they are used as an important ingredient in the preparation of cocktails, and when combined with milk and sugar, they give the famous strawberry frappe, with an extraordinary taste.
Caution
People prone to allergies should be careful, because eating strawberries stimulates the release of histamine. Since it is a potential cause of allergies, as a precaution, it is not recommended to give this fruit to children under one year of age.
Procurement and storage
If possible, buy only strawberries of verified quality, preferably forest ones, because they are tastier and healthier. Never submerge strawberries in water, but wash them under cold water. They are safe in the refrigerator for two to three days, after which they begin to oxidize and lose their nutritional quality.
Author of the text: Dragan Antić
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