Fragaria ananassa is commonly known as strawberry. Scientifically speaking, strawberry is an aggregate accessory fruit and not the actual fruit. It is a red coloured, juicy fruit that is sweet, sometimes sour to taste. Strawberry is probably the cutest looking fruit that attracts all especially kids. The fruit is consumed all over the world either in fresh form or as an ingredient in juices, ice creams, milk shakes etc. Strawberry flavouring is one of the most used flavours in food, beverages, make up and fragrance industry.

History –

It was first cultivated in France in the 1750s. Before this, the fruit grew in wild. The use of strawberry became popular because of its medicinal values. Different types of strawberries that vary in size, shape, colour and taste are grown in the different parts of the world. Usually the creeper grows in cool places like hill stations.

Appearance –

The fruit is small, heart shaped red in colour with a green calyx on the head. The surface is spotted and rough with more than 200 seeds on its outer membrane. The inner texture is soft and succulent. The tiny fruit could be eaten in one bite. it will be the most attractive fruit in your fruit baskets.

Commercial uses –

Along with being eaten just like a plain fresh fruit, strawberry has other uses too.

• It is consumed with fresh cream.
• It is used as a topping for cakes and pastries.
• It makes a delicious milkshake.
• It is used to make ice creams.
• It is used in making preservatives
• It is used to flavour chocolates and candies.
• It is also used to add flavour to hand sanitizers and perfumes.
• It is used to make pies and puddings.
• It is used to add flavour to lip gloss, lip colours and perfumes.
• The flavour is used in many other foods, beverages, confections and cosmetics.

Health benefits –

100g of strawberry has about 33 kilocalories. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. It also contains manganese, other vitamins, dietary minerals and essential fatty acids. This fruit is high in nutrients and low in calories. Strawberry is good for –

• Reduces risk of Cardiovascular diseases
• Lessens the effects of Inflammation and ulcers.
• Controls your hypertension and blood pressure.
• It can prevent cancer.
• It is a good fruit for people suffering from Diabetes.
• You can manage your allergies and asthma too by regularly eating strawberries.
• It relieves you from constipation.
• Can lessen the effects of depression.
• Strawberry also has anti aging factors.
• It promotes the health of your bone.
• It is a very good fruit for women who are pregnant.

Instant serving ideas –

• Add chopped strawberries in to your green salad.
• Blend strawberries and use it as a sauce on your favouring ice creams.
• Add chopped strawberries to your cereal.

 You can find more than 600 varieties of strawberries across the world. So, do not forget to include this magical fruit in your fruit baskets. It is going to improve your beauty as well as health.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 at 9:32 am and is filed under Fruits Basket. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.