Fresh strawberries are one of the most popular, delicious and nutritious summer fruits. In the following, we discussed information about strawberries, the properties of dried strawberries and their uses, stay with us until the end of the text to get a complete knowledge of this fruit:
Ripe strawberries have a strong antioxidant content and regulate blood sugar quickly, making them an ideal choice for those with diabetes, and are also a safe and healthy diet. . A variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, have many health benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that consuming 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
what is strawberry
Strawberry is a herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 30 to 50 cm, and its leaves have long petioles with large toothed edges and a cylindrical rhizome that is 3 to 10 cm long. The plant’s white flowers are borne on peduncles, the fruit is a fleshy pseudostrawberry that grows up to 2 to 5 cm.
Strawberry is the fruit of the Fragaria plant and there are different types, the taste, size and texture of different species are different, but they are common in having a heart shape, red color and having yellow seeds that are sunken on the surface of the fruit. The plant grows in Europe and Asia, and in Iran, it can be seen abundantly in the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, Kermanshah and West Azerbaijan.
Strawberry, with the scientific name Fragaria Vesca and the English name strawberry, is a two-vein species and belongs to the rose family and is included in the consumption group of diuretics and astringents. The history of this fruit goes back to 2000 years ago. About 200 years ago, today’s strawberries were obtained from hybridization between Virginiana or Scarlet strawberry as the male parent and Chiloensis strawberry as the female parent.
This plant was cultivated in Europe around 1300 AD. Wild strawberries, in the 14th century in France, were transferred from the forest to agricultural land and became a domesticated plant. Around 1600 AD, the virginiana strawberry of the species Fragaria virginiana arrived in Europe from North America. The spread of this type was very gradual and it gradually became popular in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
In the 1610s, one of the French statesmen named Fraser took the Chiloensis strawberry plant from Chile to France. Cultivation of this plant spread in the north of France, and some time after crossing this strawberry with Virginiana strawberry, a new example was created. This new model was exported to America in the 1800s. English gardeners propagated the new species through seeds, after which the number of strawberry cultivars increased from three to thirty cultivars.
Many people think that strawberry is called this because the plants of this plant are piled up with straw. Some sources give the name of strawberry because of saying that for the first time young English people harvested wild strawberries and sold them in a pile surrounded by greenery, however, the exact origin of the name of this plant is still unknown to us. . It seems that the first modified numeral came to Iran from France during the Qajar period and during the presidency of Atabak Azam and was called Atabak.
Properties of strawberries
Below are some examples of the countless properties of strawberries and dried strawberries:
Dried strawberries improve cardiovascular function
A study was conducted at the Harvard University School of Health, based on which consumption of this plant reduces the risk of heart diseases. This research was conducted on 27 thousand women in a period of ten years. It was found that the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who consume at least two servings of strawberries per week is 14% lower than those who do not. According to the results of this research, the level of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased with the consumption of strawberries.
Another study on volunteers showed that daily consumption of 500 grams of this plant for 1 month significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels, as well as serum malondialdehyde levels, compared to the pre-consumption state. reduces Based on this study, strawberry anthocyanins increased the antioxidant capacity of plasma and removal of free radicals, and vitamin levels also increased significantly after consuming strawberries.
Dried strawberries regulate blood sugar
A study in 2011 shows that consuming about 37 strawberries per day significantly reduces the complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease and neuropathy. The blood sugar index in strawberry fruit is very low, so it is more suitable for diabetic patients than other fruits.
Based on another research, strawberry fistin reduces the risk of kidney diseases in diabetic rats. A research in Finland also shows that consuming strawberries with white bread increased the glycemic response in these people by 36% compared to women who only ate bread. The results show that strawberry polyphenols slow down the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates and the need for insulin to regulate normal blood sugar.
Dried strawberries speed up weight loss
According to the article published in the Fat Resistant Diet book, consumption of strawberries increases the release of adiponectin and leptin hormones. Both of these hormones are metabolic and fat burning hormones. The result of the release of these hormones is increased metabolism and weight loss.
Other studies show that strawberries reduce the digestion of starchy foods, which means that blood sugar is controlled after eating, and as a result, cravings for sugary foods are reduced. Strawberry polyphenols reduce the secretion of starch digesting enzyme. This plant also improves the function of hormones that affect weight loss.
Dried strawberries increase brain function
Devor et al., in 2012, conducted a study on 16,000 women over a 6-year period. The result of this research shows the effect of strawberry consumption on the memory of these people. Based on the results of the research, the rate of memory decline in people who consumed more strawberries (an average of 200 grams per week) was significantly slower than those who consumed less or avoided eating this fruit. .
On this basis, consumption of strawberries makes memory 2 and a half years younger than age. Researchers believe that the improvement of memory in these people is due to the presence of strawberry flavonoids. Another study showed that consuming this fruit reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A 2014 study on laboratory mice showed that the strawberry flavonoid fistin reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in mice with and without the Alzheimer’s gene.
Dried strawberries maintain oral and dental health
In 2009, a study was published that shows that strawberry polyphenols prevent the breakdown of starch in the mouth, the sticking of sugary substances to the teeth, the formation of plaque and tooth decay, and the occurrence of gum diseases due to the activity of bacteria. Based on another research, strawberry malic acid helps whiten teeth.
Dried strawberries have anti-cancer properties
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that the extract of this fruit inhibits the growth of lung tumors in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. In 2012, a clinical trial in China showed that frozen strawberries prevent esophageal cancer. Based on this research, strawberries protect the body against other cancers such as oral, breast and cervical cancers.
Studies from the University of Illinois, USA, show that strawberry ellagic acid inhibits the growth of cancer cells. The lutein present in the compounds of this plant fights free radicals and minimizes the negative effects of their active agents.
Dried strawberries prevent stroke
In 2016, an analytical study was conducted on the evaluation of antioxidants in strawberries such as quercetin, kaempferol, and anthocyanin. In this meta-analysis, the relationship between antioxidants in strawberries and the risk of stroke was investigated. This study showed that they moderately reduce the risk of stroke after controlling for cardiovascular risk factors.
Different applications of strawberries
Strawberries are used in the following ways:
fresh fruit
The fresh fruit of strawberry is one of the most popular summer fruits that have many medicinal and health properties, jam, fruit juice, marmalade and various desserts and food products are made from this fruit.
Strawberry tea
You can make tea or tea from fresh strawberry fruits, of course, other than fresh fruit, dried fruit is also used to prepare tea and tea. Of course, nowadays, most of its dried fruits are used to prepare a variety of single and mixed vegetable and fruit teas.
Consuming tea and strawberry tea has properties such as eliminating diarrhea, eliminating boils and acne, improving digestive disorders, eliminating jaundice, treating gout, removing kidney stones, and preventing various cancers.
How to make strawberry tea
Pour 3 teaspoons of fruit powder or some pieces of dried strawberry fruit into some boiling water and let it brew for 10 to 15 minutes. After brewing, it can be drunk as tea.
Dried strawberries
The fresh strawberry fruit is washed and after slicing it is left in front of the sun to dry, of course, today due to the advancement of technology, there are special fruit drying devices that can be used to dry all kinds of fruit and use them as fruit chips. are used
How to prepare dried strawberries
To dry strawberries, you should choose hot sunny days when the air humidity is below 60% and the weather is sunny and warm. It takes a few days to dry, so it is necessary that the weather is clear and good for several days in a row.
Place the strawberries on a stainless steel, plastic or fiberglass mesh tray with Teflon coating and place them on the mesh with a little distance. Place the fruit tray on two bricks so that it is away from the ground and throw a thin net over it and place it under the sun.
Placing the tray on the brick makes the air flow better and dries the fruit faster. To speed up the drying process of strawberries, place an aluminum or tin sheet under the tray. Cool night air can re-moisten the fruit. So put the tray in a covered place at night and put it again in front of the sun the next day.
Information and medicinal compounds of strawberries
The fruit of the strawberry plant contains a lot of flavonoids, the most important of which is anthocyanidin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-disease properties. Flavonoids reduce the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme and stop the process of pain and inflammation, this action is similar to the mechanism of action of aspirin and other non-steroidal pain relievers, of course, with the difference that strawberries do not have the side effects of intestinal bleeding and heart disease.
Strawberry leaves contain tannins and caffeic acid derivatives, and the diuretic and astringent effects of the plant are related to these compounds. This plant is also an excellent source of vitamin C, K, digestible fibers and flavonoids, in addition to these, it contains amounts of panthonic acid, manganese, iodine, folic acid and vitamins B1 and B6.
The use of strawberries in traditional medicine
This fruit is traditionally used in the treatment of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, gout, bladder stones and inflammatory diseases. Also, this fruit is a useful treatment for gum diseases. The ancient Romans believed that this fruit is a valuable medicine and used it to treat various diseases, including melancholy and kidney stones.
Strawberry is a cool fruit, increases urine and removes dental plaque. The consumption of this fruit is recommended for people suffering from diseases such as diabetes. The salts of this fruit are useful for treating constipation, and due to having sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus, they have a significant effect on the growth of children and adolescents. Strawberries are effective in reducing and removing fear, anger, anxiety, excitement and laziness. It increases longevity and prevents stroke.
Disadvantages of excessive use of strawberries
The consumption of strawberries is prohibited for people who are prone to allergies. Those who suffer from kidney stones should use it with caution. Consuming this fruit in the recommended amount is usually not associated with any complications, but because this fruit contains calcium oxalate, people who are prone to producing kidney stones may worsen their condition if they consume it excessively. Skin rashes and itching have also been reported in consuming this fruit.
Key and important points about strawberries
- In 1386 AD, the first major attempt to cultivate this fruit was recorded in the name of the King of France, Charles V, who raised 12,000 strawberry plants in his royal garden.
- Hovey is the name of the first strawberry variety in America, which is the ancestor of new species, and a horticulturist named Charles Hovey cultivated it in 1834 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Because of its heart-like shape and red color, strawberry is considered a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love.
- On the stones of the altar and pillars of the churches in the Middle Ages, a strawberry design was engraved, which is a symbol of perfection and justice.
- Currently, more than 20,000 tons of strawberries are produced in Iran every year. Kurdistan, Golestan and Mazandaran provinces are the main production areas of this product.
Strawberry nutritional value table
Fenugreek consists of macronutrients and micronutrients according to the tables below, which make up its nutritional value.
The main ingredient in 100 grams
- Energy (calories) 32 kcal
- Carbohydrate 7.68 grams
- Protein 0.67 grams
- Fat 0.30 grams
- 90.95 grams of water
- Fiber 2.00 grams
- Sugar 4.89 grams
- Cholesterol 0.00 mg
Strawberry vitamins
Vitamin name, amount per 100 grams
- Vitamin A 1.00 mcg
- Vitamin D 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin E 0.29 mg
- Vitamin K 2.20 micrograms
- Vitamin C 58.80 mg
- Thiamine (B1) 0.02 mg
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.02 mg
- Niacin (B3) 0.39 mg
- Choline (B4) 5.70 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.13 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.05 mg
- Folate (B9) 24.00 micrograms
- Vitamin B12 0.00 mg
Strawberry minerals
The name of the mineral, the amount per 100 grams
- Calcium 16.00 mg
- Iron 0.41 mg
- Magnesium 13.00 mg
- Phosphorus 24.00 mg
- Potassium 153.00 mg
- Sodium 1.00 mg
- Zinc 0.14 mg
- Copper 0.05 mg
- Manganese 0.39 mg
- Selenium 0.40 micrograms