SCINQ BASICS: Strawberries are versatile, healthy, and absolutely tasty.

Get ready to dive into the vibrant, juicy world of strawberries! Bursting with sweetness and a zing of tartness, these delightful little heart-shaped fruits are more than just a summertime treat. From their origins intertwined with intriguing tales of indigenous cultivation and cross-continental adventures, to their remarkable health benefits and versatile culinary applications, strawberries hold a prominent place in our diets and our hearts. Whether you’re looking to concoct a divine dessert, elevate a refreshing salad, or simply snack on something delicious and nutritious, strawberries offer endless possibilities. So, let’s explore the enchanting universe of strawberries and uncover the many secrets behind their ruby-red exterior!

Ingredient: Strawberry.

Descended from: Modern strawberries, specifically the garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), originated from the hybridization of two wild strawberry species: Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America and Fragaria chiloensis from Chile on the Pacific coast of South America. This hybridization happened in the 18th century in Europe.

The Fragaria virginiana, or the Virginia strawberry, was taken from North America to Europe by early European settlers, whereas Fragaria chiloensis, or the beach strawberry, was transported by Amédée-François Frézier, a French engineer, from Chile to France in the early 1700s.

Once in Europe, these two species accidentally crossbred in a garden, leading to the creation of the large, delicious fruit we know today as the garden strawberry. This hybrid species combined the best traits of its parents: hardiness from Fragaria virginiana and large size from Fragaria chiloensis.

Domestication date: 1750s

Properties: The physical properties of strawberries include:

• Size – Strawberries can vary in size, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. They typically range from the size of a cherry to as big as a plum.
• Shape – They are generally heart-shaped or conical, but this can also vary depending on the variety.
• Color – Strawberries are known for their bright red color when ripe, but they start out as green and may turn white or yellow before becoming red. The intensity of the red color can vary depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit.
• Texture – The outer surface of a strawberry is dotted with small, yellowish seeds (technically called “achenes”). The interior flesh is juicy and soft when the fruit is ripe.
• Taste – Strawberries have a sweet-tart flavor that can vary in intensity depending on the ripeness and specific variety of the fruit.
• Aroma – Strawberries have a sweet, distinct aroma, largely due to a compound called furaneol, which is produced in large quantities as the fruit ripens.
• Weight – A medium-sized strawberry weighs about 12 grams. However, the weight can vary significantly depending on the size and variety of the strawberry.
• Density – The density of a strawberry, like all fruits, is less than that of water, which is why strawberries float when placed in a body of water.

The physical properties of a strawberry can change as it ripens. For example, its color deepens, its texture softens, and its flavor becomes sweeter as it ripens.

Health benefits: Strawberries are highly nutritious and have numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits:

• High in Antioxidants – Strawberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. Antioxidants can help to protect the body from damage by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.
• Heart Health – The anthocyanins in strawberries may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.
• Blood Sugar Control – Strawberries have a relatively low glycemic index compared to other fruits, which means they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This makes them a better choice for people with diabetes. The fiber in strawberries can also help to regulate blood sugar.
• Rich in Vitamin C – One serving of strawberries can provide more than half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which is essential for skin health and immunity.
• Digestive Health – Strawberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help to prevent constipation.
• Eye Health – The antioxidant properties of strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, two common eye conditions that can occur as people age.
• Weight Management – Because they’re low in calories and high in fiber, strawberries can help you feel full, making them a good choice for those trying to lose weight.

Dishes of Note: The Eton Mess

History: The Mapuche and Huilliche Indians of Chile played an important role in the development of modern strawberries through their cultivation of Fragaria chiloensis, one of the wild strawberry species that was used to breed the common garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa.

Fragaria chiloensis, also known as the beach or coastal strawberry, is native to the Pacific coastlines of North and South America, including Chile. The Mapuche and Huilliche people had been cultivating this strawberry long before European contact.

In the early 1700s, a French spy named Amédée-François Frézier observed these large strawberries during a mission in Chile. He noted that they were cultivated by the indigenous peoples and were larger than the wild strawberries known in Europe at the time. Frézier took some strawberry plants back to France when he returned from his mission.

Once in Europe, these Chilean strawberries (Fragaria chiloensis) accidentally cross-pollinated with the wild strawberries from eastern North America (Fragaria virginiana) that had been brought over earlier. This resulted in the birth of the garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) that we know and enjoy today.

So, while the Mapuche and Huilliche people did not directly participate in the breeding of the modern strawberry, their cultivation of Fragaria chiloensis was a crucial part of the fruit’s history and development.

IMAGE CREDIT: Pexels.