Garden Strawberry

Garden Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa
Rosaceae Family

Description of Strawberry

The garden strawberry is a perennial herbaceous plant 15–30 cm tall, a hybrid of Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis. The root system is fibrous, penetrating to a depth of 20–30 cm. Stems are creeping, rooting (runners), forming rosettes. Leaves are trifoliate, serrated, 3–7 cm long, dark green on top, gray-green below. Flowers are white or pinkish, 1–2 cm in diameter, gathered in corymbose inflorescences. Fruits are false berries (aggregate fruits), red, 1–5 cm, juicy, sweet, with small seeds on the surface. Flowering in May–June, fruiting in June–July (remontant varieties until September). Propagated by runners, seeds, or bush division. Varieties: ‘Alba’, ‘Honeoye’, ‘Zenga Zengana’.

 

Distribution and Ecology of Strawberry

The garden strawberry is a cultivated plant bred in the 18th century, widely grown in temperate regions (Europe, North America, Russia, Asia). Prefers loose, fertile soils (pH 5.5–6.5), sunny areas with 6–8 hours of light. Optimal growth temperature 15–25 °C, withstands frosts down to -25 °C with cover. Yield: 0.5–1.5 kg/m². Care: watering (10–15 L/m² every 5–7 days), feeding with organic and mineral fertilizers (10–20 g/m²), runner removal, protection from gray mold and strawberry mite. Propagated by runners (July–August) or seeds (sowing in March–April). Ecologically enriches the soil but depletes it in monoculture (crop rotation 3–4 years). Not invasive.

 

Raw Materials from Strawberry

Raw materials: berries, leaves, juice, rarely roots. Berries are harvested in June–July (or until September for remontant varieties), dried at 40–50 °C (yield 10–15%). Leaves harvested in May–June, dried in shade at 25–30 °C (yield 15–20%). Juice extracted from fresh berries (yield 60–70%). Roots harvested in autumn, dried at 30–35 °C (yield 15–20%). Quality: berries red, mold-free, moisture <12%, organic/mineral impurities ≤0.5%, total ash ≤5%; leaves green, no darkening; juice clear, no sediment. Store berries and leaves in dry containers (1–2 years), juice in refrigerator (2–3 days). Berry aroma sweet, fruity; leaves herbaceous; berry taste sweet-sour.

 

Chemical Composition of Strawberry

Berries: water (85–90%), carbohydrates (7–10%, glucose, fructose), organic acids (1–2%, citric, malic), vitamins (C up to 60 mg/100 g, A, E, B9), anthocyanins, flavonoids (quercetin), pectins (0.5–1%), minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium). Leaves: flavonoids, tannins (3–5%), vitamin C (up to 40 mg/100 g), essential oil (0.1%). Juice: vitamin C, anthocyanins, organic acids. Roots: tannins, flavonoids. Calorie content of berries: 30–35 kcal/100 g.

 

Effects and Applications of Strawberry

Strawberry has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, immunostimulating, and mild diaphoretic effects due to vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Berries are used for colds, anemia, hypertension, edema, to improve metabolism and heart function. Leaves (infusions) have astringent, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects, used for diarrhea, kidney diseases, skin rashes. Juice strengthens immunity, improves digestion, lowers blood sugar. Externally, berries and juice are used in cosmetology to lighten skin, reduce pigmentation, treat acne. Roots (decoctions) rarely used for joint inflammations.

 

Precautions for Using Strawberry

Berries in large quantities (>500 g/day) or juice (>200 ml/day) may cause allergic reactions, diarrhea, or stomach irritation due to organic acids. Leaf infusions (>100 ml/day) may enhance diuretic effect, dangerous in dehydration. Store berries at humidity <12% (dried) and temperature 0–5 °C (fresh) to prevent spoilage. Give children under 3 years juice or infusions in doses ≤10 ml/day. People allergic to Rosaceae or with acid-dependent diseases should limit consumption. External juice application requires allergy check.

 

Contraindications for Using Strawberry

Strawberry is contraindicated in allergies to Rosaceae, peptic ulcers, gastritis with high acidity, urolithiasis, children under 1 year. External use of berries or juice is prohibited in eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds.

 

Recipes with Strawberry

1. Juice for Colds. Mix 100 ml strawberry berry juice with 10 g honey, drink 50 ml 2 times a day, 7 days.
   
2. Leaf Infusion for Diarrhea. Pour 10 g leaves with 200 ml boiling water, infuse 30 min, drink 50 ml 2 times a day, 5 days.
   
3. Berry Pulp for Skin. Mash 50 g berries, apply to face for 10 min, rinse, use 1 time a day, 5 days.
   
4. Leaf Decoction for Edema. Boil 10 g leaves in 200 ml water 5 min, drink 50 ml 2 times a day, 7 days.
   
5. Root Infusion for Joint Pain. Pour 10 g roots with 200 ml boiling water, infuse 1 hour, drink 50 ml 2 times a day, 7 days.
   

 

Cosmetics from Strawberry

Strawberry berries and juice are used in cosmetology due to antioxidants, vitamin C, and organic acids, lighten skin, reduce inflammation and pigmentation.

1. Face Mask. Mix 50 g berry pulp with 10 ml sour cream, apply to face for 10 min, rinse. Use 1 time a week.
   
2. Skin Toner. Mix 50 ml strawberry juice with 50 ml water, wipe face 1 time a day, 7 days.
   
3. Body Scrub. Grind 20 g dried berries, mix with 10 ml olive oil, massage skin 5 min, rinse. Use 1 time a week.
   
4. Hair Mask. Mix 50 ml strawberry juice with 10 ml honey, apply to hair roots for 20 min, rinse. Use 1 time a week.
   

 

Culinary Uses of Strawberry

Strawberry berries are used fresh, frozen, or dried in desserts, drinks, jams, compotes. Leaves are sometimes added to herbal teas. Store fresh berries at 0–5 °C up to 7 days, dried up to 2 years. Varieties: ‘Honeoye’ (for desserts), ‘Alba’ (for freezing).

1. Smoothie with Strawberry. Mix 200 g berries with 100 ml yogurt, 10 g honey, blend, serve chilled.
   
2. Strawberry Jam. Mix 500 g berries with 500 g sugar, cook 30 min, pour into jars, store up to 1 year.
   
3. Salad with Strawberry. Mix 100 g berries with 50 g spinach, 20 g nuts, 10 ml balsamic vinegar, serve fresh.
   
4. Tea with Strawberry Leaves. Pour 5 g dried leaves with 200 ml boiling water, infuse 10 min, add honey, serve warm.
   

 

Other Properties of Strawberry

Strawberry is an ornamental plant for gardens and vegetable patches. Berries attract birds. Used in the food industry (jams, juices, freezing). Leaves are used in folk medicine and as a flavoring in teas.