Strawberries - The permitted fruit that you will want to try!
Our strawberries are the sweetest and juiciest around! Today we’re going to tell you a little about their origins, their nutritional benefits and how they can be consumed! The goal is to finally demystify why strawberries shouldn’t really be considered such a forbidden fruit!
To whet your appetite, did you know that strawberries are the only fruit covered with hundreds of seeds on the outside? It's true! Each strawberry has approximately 200 seeds around it, which is one of the reasons why strawberries are such a fiber-rich fruit !
And where do these small, delicious fruits come from?
Strawberry cultivation originates from temperate zones of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Strawberry cultivation (Fragaria ananassa) emerged in Europe during the 18th century , and resulted from a hybrid production in France, between Fragaria chiloensis and Fragaria virginiana .
And in Portugal?
Strawberry cultivation in Portugal is quite significant, with production in several regions of the country, such as Alentejo, Ribatejo, Beiras, Douro, among others.
Portugal's mild climate is ideal for growing this fruit, which allows for year-round production, especially during spring and summer. Particularly during the months between March and August , it is easier to find a surplus of this succulent fruit. Most of these are produced in greenhouses, although there is also production in open fields.
Production in Portugal is carried out by both large producers and small farmers, with small producers being responsible for a large part of the production. Strawberries produced in Portugal are generally destined for the national market, but are also exported to other countries in the European Union, mainly to Spain.
Strawberry cultivation in Portugal is important not only for the country's economy, but also for the preservation of local culture and traditions, since many of the small-scale productions are carried out by families who have maintained the tradition of strawberry cultivation for generations.
Where do ours come from?
Ours come from the land of Artur, a 63-year-old producer from the Ramalhal area of Torres Vedras. Artur started growing strawberries in 1993, 40 years ago!
Its land has 9 and a half hectares where large quantities are produced for small markets in Lisbon, Porto and Madrid!
And why are strawberries considered superfoods?
These are considered a superfood for several reasons. Firstly, they are very nutritious and contain many important nutrients. In fact, did you know that strawberries have more vitamin C and fewer calories than oranges?
It's true! Although an orange contains on average 70mg of vitamin C, the truth is that strawberries have around 10.5mg. In other words, if you eat 7, you will ingest more vitamin C than just one orange!
Interestingly, there are other products in our baskets that have more vitamin C than oranges. Our kiwis , broccoli and cauliflower are some of the examples we display in our vitamin C display.
But let’s not lose sight of the fact! Yes, it’s true that strawberries are highly nutritious in vitamin C, but that’s not the only thing that makes them such a delicious superfood!
Its nutritional properties include potassium, fiber and an excellent dose of magnesium and folate. These minerals are a great help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health .
They are also rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals . Therefore, strawberries are a great option for fighting heart, oncological and neurodegenerative diseases.
To add to the healthy lifestyle celebration, they are known for having a low calorie content, which makes them a healthy choice for people who are most concerned about keeping their weight under control!
This is because they have a low glycemic index , which means they don't cause large spikes in blood sugar, making them a good choice for people who have diabetes or other conditions related to blood sugar levels.
And how can you take advantage of these wonders of nature?
Strawberries are a super versatile and healthy fruit that can be served in many different ways! Our main suggestion is to eat them au naturale , because our strawberries are very sweet and delicious. However, there are different ways you can eat this wonderful fruit. Let's find out more!
Desserts
A very common way to eat strawberries is to dip them in chocolate, whipped cream or sugar! It’s a very easy way to add a touch of sweetness to their flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier way to serve your strawberries, you can replace these sugars with balsamic vinegar or basil!
If you feel like making a more elaborate dessert, you can always try our chocolate and sweet potato pie recipe!
If you are a fan of gelatin, you can always add pieces of our strawberries to your gelatin.
Salads
Strawberries can be a delicious addition to salads full of greens, as they can add a sweet and crunchy touch to an otherwise healthy dish!
Appetizers
If you have a more daring palate, why not try adding pepper? Black pepper enhances the natural flavor of strawberries and adds a touch of flavor, without having to resort to sugar!
Drinks
Strawberries are a great ingredient for drinks like smoothies or cocktails ! In addition to providing a sweet and delicious flavor, they also add a natural color to drinks!
Toppings
Strawberries are a great option to use as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal or ice cream!
Preserves
Strawberries are often used to make jams, preserves and preserves . This is an incredible way to preserve the flavor of strawberries all year round!
But what is the best way to store and preserve strawberries for longer?
An important tip for keeping strawberries fresh for longer is to keep them whole, that is, store them with the small green leaves without washing them first. Yes, it's true, water can speed up the ripening process, so it's best to wash them just before eating!
In addition to storing them in the refrigerator, placing them in a shallow container covered with a towel or kitchen towel is the best way to ensure that they won't be contaminated by the ripening effects of humidity. This will help to extend the shelf life of your strawberries!
If the strawberries start to get soft or shriveled, you can cut off the spoiled parts and freeze the rest to use later in smoothies, cakes or desserts.
Always remember to check your strawberries and remove any that are spoiled to prevent the spoilage process from contaminating the rest!