Strawberry (Fragaria)


Strawberry (Fragaria)

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trawberry (Fragaria) is a genus of plants belonging to the family rose from a dozen species, of which almost all are distributed in the northern temperate zone, and one in Chile. The lower leaves of plants are composed of three hens. Flower  is white, and the fruit red. Of white flowers develop collective fruit (strawberry) . Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is widespread in temperate Europe and temperate Asia, and is endemic in and out of the area. Cultivation have grown very large and red strawberries. From the garden strawberry known as pineapple strawberry with big fruit and sweet and sour taste.


Strawberry (Fragaria)


        
Strawberry is one of the most popular small fruits, and its fruits come in early spring. Can be planted even at smallest surface, because strawberries provides not only a tasty fruit, but for the beauty of the flower and fruit of a garden ornament.

        
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B-9, important in the creation of blood and participates in the metabolism of amino acids. Lack of this vitamin in the diet causes fatigue and anemia, and inadequate intake of folate also increases the risk of colon cancer. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that can be taken as a vitamin supplement or fortified foods such vitamin. When found in foods as a natural ingredient, called folate, and most of it include strawberries, oranges, green leafy vegetables and asparagus.

Strawberry (Fragaria)

       
Vitamin C from food acts as a powerful antioxidant that reducing the risk of some types of cancer: mouth, throat, stomach, colon and lung. Demonstrated greater efficacy of vitamin C naturally contained in foods such as strawberries, than taken as a vitamin supplement (supplement), which is associated with the interaction of vitamin C and other ingredients in foods.

        
Antioxidants provide protection body by destroying free radicals, which damage cells and contribute to the development of cancer and heart disease, and accelerate the aging process. The content of antioxidants in strawberries are seven times higher than in apples or bananas and two times higher than in oranges or grapes. Plant phenols include flavonoids and phenolic acids. They are found in almost every fruit, vegetables and grains, and significantly affect the stability and properties of food (flavor and color). In addition, plant phenols have an important role in preventing the oxidation of fat in the body.

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

         
According to Pyramid proper diet, it is recommended to take 2-4 servings of fruit a day. As a unit of meals is taken 8 strawberry medium size, which is approximately 150 g Energy value per unit is 50 kcal meal. Strawberries are an excellent source of folate (one meal of strawberries provides 20% of the recommended daily requirement) and vitamin C (one meal of strawberries provides 140% of the recommended daily requirement), and contain plant phenols, along with antioxidants, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Are a good source of dietary fiber - one meal provided 16% of the recommended daily requirement. Dietary fiber are beneficial to the digestive system, lowers blood cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and protect against colon cancer.

        
Strawberries can be bought in measuring cups or to desired weight in supermarkets and markets. When buying consider the following: have a stalk and mature, juicy and red fruits with no white or green tops. Unwashed strawberries keep up to two days. Washed strawberries can be frozen by placing them in a single layer on a platter, sprinkling sugar and allow it to freeze. Only then store them in plastic bags. Since the fruit contains a high percentage of water and delicate aroma components, their preservation in the form of difficulty and use them for sauces and ice cream within 12 months.
Some types of strawberries are:
Asieta - earliest variety, has an oblong shape of the fruit and is very fertile, the fruit is sweet and aromatic.
Asiropa - medium matures early, fruit shape is conical, yield is abundant, the taste is sweet and very aromatic.
Astin - ripens later than asirope, has firm flesh, on good soil is very large, and the yield is abundant.
Seligra - the most expensive variety, the average fruit weight is 100 grams, it is very fertile and one bush gives over 1 kg of fruit, the size of the fruit, such as tangerines, harvest lasts about a month.


Strawberry (Fragaria)