Strawberry
Fragaria, is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world. There are more than 10 species of Fragaria that differ in flavour, size and texture. Yet they all have the same characteristic heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat together with small, regal, leafy green caps and stems that adorn their crowns.
Strawberries have a long history and have been enjoyed since the Roman times. Native to many parts of the world, hundreds of varieties of strawberries exist due to crossbreeding techniques. In 1714, a French engineer commissioned to Chile and Peru, observed that the strawberry native to those regions was much larger than those found in Europe. He decided to bring back a sample of this strawberry to cultivate in France. The end result was a large, juicy, sweet hybrid (the modern garden strawberry) that became extremely popular in Europe.
Like many other fruits, strawberries make their claim in history as a luxury item enjoyed only by royalty. It has been alleged that newly weds were entitled to strawberries with soured cream as a wedding breakfast, believing them to be an aphrodisiac.
Consummation tips
Choose your very bright strawberries with a well green peduncle. Wash them quickly with the faucet hand shower without stripping them and consume them quickly. They can be stored in the refrigerator but not more than a day if you want to enjoy their original flavor and especially remember to take them out at least an hour before serving.
Variety
Today the strawberry has taken revenge! It is everywhere, in our neighborhood stores as in supermarkets and, more surprisingly, at any time of the year. Appetizing, round, red and brilliant, hard to resist and not give in to temptation. Certainly, it looks good hypnotizing you with its color and sometimes even its fragrance.
Strawberry and wild strawberry are some of the so-called red fruits such as redcurrants and blackcurrants, raspberries and blackberries, blueberries.
But the coat does not make the monk and especially with strawberries. Beware of these big red strawberries, grown above ground, full of water and without any taste already have a few hours of flight. Their only attraction is their price.
All varieties have their interest in taste, form, firmness of the flesh or degree of acidity. Privilege local markets. The strawberry is a fragile product that has to be consumed very quickly if you want to make the most of its aroma and if you have the time you could even pick them directly from the producer or, for the lucky ones, in your garden.
Nutrition
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium.
They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. They have been used throughout history in a medicinal context to help with digestive ailments, teeth whitening and skin irritations.
Their fibre and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and the fibre is thought to have a satiating effect. Leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or used to make tea.
Cooking tips
The strawberry is fragile, it’s fresh so let’s respect the fruit. No need to make tons to make a dessert with strawberries. The simplest is the best. Most of the time, you will agree, you can mix strawberries with a little sugar and lemon for a quick sauce to serve with an ice cream or with chocolate fondant.