Strawberry is an extremely popular fruit that is grown in many areas of the world. Learn about the characteristics and origin of this fruit and its health benefits. The fruit is also known as a popular summertime dessert and has many uses in the kitchen. Here are five things to know about strawberries. Using these tips, you can grow your own delicious, nutritious strawberries.
Fruit
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that can help you improve the health of your skin and hair. They also contain fiber that can help you lose weight and aid digestion. Another benefit of strawberries is their anthocyanin content, which protects the circulatory system from plaque buildup. They are also beneficial for controlling blood pressure.
Strawberries are usually consumed in their raw form, but they can also be used for making jam and preserves. They are also added to dairy products and are a popular addition to desserts. On average, Americans consume eight pounds of strawberries every year. Almost half of this quantity is fresh, with the rest frozen. A recent survey found that 45% of American adults have eaten strawberries in the past seven days. Additionally, fifty-three percent of seven-to-nine-year-old children say that strawberries are their favorite fruit.
Whether you decide to grow strawberries in your own yard or buy them from a grocery store, it is important to select a variety that will meet your specific requirements. The size of the fruit depends on the variety and the time of year. Some new varieties produce very large berries, which are up to two inches long and over an inch in diameter. In addition, a good quality berry should have a cap, be firm and free from mold, fungus, foreign matter, or insects. It should also be free from scars and broken skins.
Strawberry fruit is popular among many people for its nutritional value and health benefits. Although not a true berry, strawberries are part of the rose family and are the most popular fruit in most households. In fact, the average American consumes about 3.5 pounds of strawberries each year.
Origin
The history of the strawberry dates back to ancient times. Although it is commonly referred to as a fruit, the strawberry is actually a type of enlarged flower. The visible seeds that grow on the surface of the strawberry are called achenes. The actual seed of the strawberry grows inside an ovary.
Strawberry is a member of the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses. The scientific name for the strawberry is Fragaria x ananassa. The letter “x” indicates that it is a hybrid, and the strawberry’s name came from the Latin word fragrans, which means “fragrant.” The strawberry was first cultivated in Europe in the sixteenth century, when wild strawberries were brought from South America.
The strawberry’s genome contains more than 100,000 genes. The genome was annotated and assembled by researchers Patrick Edger and his colleagues. They sequenced and annotated 31 sets of RNA molecules from diploid Fragaria species, and they identified four diploid ancestral species of F. x ananassa. The results of this study suggest that the octoploid strawberry is descended from diploid species.
Strawberry genetics has been characterized relatively poorly. There are still many questions about the genetic structure of the strawberry. It has not been determined yet how diploid or monoploid the strawberry genome is, but several studies have suggested that the strawberry genome is highly diploid. Using simple sequence repeat markers, the genetic structure of 92 cultivars was mapped. The genotypes were grouped according to breeding for particular climatic adaptations and release dates.
Characteristics
In a new Australian research project, researchers hope to find the genetics behind the qualities of strawberries. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is leading the five-year project in partnership with Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and Griffith University. Funded by Hort Innovation Australia, the project will help build a knowledge base of strawberry genetics and develop new elite varieties. Researcher Heather Smyth, of QAAFI’s Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, says the findings could lead to improved commercial varieties.
The objective of the study was to determine which strawberry traits are important to a farmer. For instance, plant productivity and disease resistance are important traits for a successful crop. The study evaluated characteristics such as fruit firmness, size, color, flavor, and postharvest quality. The findings showed that plant productivity and fruit quality are directly correlated. In addition, the study analyzed the effect of these traits on the commercial viability of a strawberry crop.
Strawberry plants grow by sending out stolons, or short, low stems. These stems develop aggregate roots that support the vegetables management of the strawberry plant. The stems begin growing in spring. Plants that are older will produce higher yields and more fruit than those grown in younger plants.
Health benefits
Strawberry is an excellent source of phytonutrients, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects. These compounds include anthocyanins, ellagitannins, flavonols, and phenolic acids. These compounds also help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Strawberry is a nutritious food that contains few calories. It also contains good amounts of dietary fiber. According to the University of Illinois Extension, it is consumed by 94 percent of U.S. households. Its high water content helps keep you full longer. Strawberry has several health benefits, including lowering LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
Strawberries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve brain health. They also help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Researchers have shown that strawberry consumption slows the rate of cognitive decline in older women. These berries contain anthocyanins, which can improve the cognitive function of the brain.
Strawberries are low-calorie and contain an excellent amount of fiber. Fiber feeds the friendly bacteria in the gut and helps digestion. In addition to fiber, strawberry contains a high amount of vitamin C, which aids the immune system and skin. Its high-fiber content means that it is a good food for people with diabetes and those trying to lose weight.
Despite its sweet taste, strawberries do not cause a spike in blood sugar, making them an ideal snack for people with diabetes. They are also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps repair wounds and regrow tissue. Furthermore, they can help reduce the symptoms of colds and the flu.
Pests
Strawberry pests are caused by Lygus species of insects. They feed on the berry tissue causing distortion. This phenomenon is also known as catfacing. As a result, berries are damaged, and fruit tissue cannot grow. The most effective way to estimate Lygus populations is by vacuuming the plants. It is estimated that one or two Lygus per plant can cause economic damage.
The early detection of strawberry pests is crucial to avoid damaging your crop. Using an insect sweep net and sampling the blossom clusters at the bud stage are effective methods. Because these insects can fly far and fast, you should conduct regular monitoring to prevent infestations and minimize crop damage. A professional pest control service can help eliminate heavy infestations.
One of the most common strawberry pests is the strawberry rootworm. Adult strawberry rootworms are about 3.2 cm long, but their grubs are slightly smaller. They feed on the roots of strawberry plants and result in reduced plant vigor and yield. In severe infestations, they can even kill the plant. Their larvae can live for up to two years in the soil, feeding on the plant’s roots.
Infestation of strawberry plants by aphids is not very common, but it can be problematic if not prevented. It’s possible to monitor aphids by examining leaves and collecting them when they’re in the field. The threshold for an infestation of aphids in Southern California is 30% of 100 leaves per hectare. You can also use yellow sticky traps to monitor winged aphid populations, especially in greenhouses.
Storage
The best way to store strawberries is to place them on the upper shelves of the refrigerator. They will last longer this way as long as they are kept at a temperature of +2 oC. You can also purchase special compartments for storing strawberries, which are not affected by other products. However, it is important to remember that strawberries should not be stored in plastic bags, as this will lead to the oxidation process.
You should wash strawberries before storing them. You can use a vinegar-water solution to clean the fruit before putting it in the refrigerator. This will help keep mold away from the berries and extend the shelf-life. It is a good idea to wash strawberries thoroughly with this solution, as the acidity of vinegar helps prevent bacteria from growing on the fruit.
Strawberries are one of the most important fresh fruits, so storing them properly is vital to their quality. One study found that storing strawberries in a cold room prolonged their shelf-life, with less weight loss, and higher chemical compositions. In the study, samples were taken at harvest, after two days, and after four days. In the conventional cold room, the fruit lost quality and began to release juice.
When storing strawberries, you should always check the ripeness of the berries. If they have dark spots or mold, this means that they are starting to spoil. However, if the berries are not soft and do not have any mold spores, they are still fresh.
