Strawberry
“The days were sunny, the nights were star–studded. Indeed married life was strawberries for breakfast and loving all the time.”
FACTS
Strawberries are not actual berries: Despite their name, strawberries are not true berries. They belong to the rose family and are considered "accessory fruits" because they are formed from the receptacle, the part of the flower that holds the ovaries.
Ancient strawberry cultivation: Strawberries have a long history of cultivation. The ancient Romans enjoyed them, and they were also cultivated by the Native Americans before the arrival of Europeans.
Fragaria x ananassa: The common garden strawberry we enjoy today is scientifically known as Fragaria x ananassa. It is a hybrid species created from a cross between two wild strawberry species, Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis.
Strawberry seeds: Strawberries are unique in that their seeds are on the outside rather than on the inside. Each seed is technically a separate fruit, and the average strawberry contains around 200 seeds.
Nutritional powerhouse: Strawberries are packed with essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, and they also contain dietary fibre, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Eating strawberries has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health.
Fragrance and flavor: Strawberries are known for their delightful fragrance and sweet taste. The compound responsible for their distinctive aroma is called "methoxyfuraneol." The flavor of strawberries is influenced by their sugar content, acidity, and the balance of various organic compounds.
Worldwide production: Strawberries are one of the most widely cultivated fruit crops in the world. The top strawberry-producing countries include the United States, Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, and Spain.
Strawberry festivals: Many regions hold strawberry festivals to celebrate the fruit and its harvest. These festivals often feature strawberry-themed foods, contests, live music, and other activities. The most famous strawberry festival is arguably the Florida Strawberry Festival held annually in Plant City, Florida.
Versatile culinary uses: Strawberries are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in desserts like pies, cakes, and ice cream, or blended into smoothies. They can also be preserved by making jams, jellies, or freeze-dried for later use.
Strawberries and Valentine's Day: Strawberries are often associated with romance and love. In some cultures, it is believed that if a woman eats a double strawberry (a strawberry with a smaller one attached), she will soon fall in love.
These are just a few fascinating facts about strawberries. They are beloved for their taste, appearance, and health benefits, making them a popular fruit enjoyed by many people around the world.
GARDENING TIPS
Visit our “How to use” section to learn how you can apply Biofeed to the strawberry plants, assisting in the flowering process, feeding and assisting the immune system.
Choosing the right variety: Select a strawberry variety that suits your growing conditions and preferences. There are three main types: June-bearing strawberries (produce one large crop in early summer), everbearing strawberries (produce two or three smaller crops throughout the growing season), and day-neutral strawberries (produce fruit consistently from spring to fall). Consider factors like climate, space availability, and taste preferences when choosing a variety.
Optimal planting time: Plant strawberries in early spring or late fall, depending on your climate. Ensure that the threat of frost has passed before planting. In colder regions, fall planting allows the plants to establish roots before winter.
Location and soil: Choose a sunny location for your strawberry patch, as they thrive in full sun. The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic (pH around 6.0-6.5). Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve its fertility and drainage.
Planting method: Prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the strawberry plant's roots, spreading them out without crowding or bending. Make sure the crown (the part where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows.
Watering and mulching: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent fruit from touching the ground.
Fertilization: Feed your strawberry plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring and again after the first harvest. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Weed control: Regularly remove weeds from your strawberry patch to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots of the plants while weeding.
Pest and disease management: Monitor your plants for pests such as slugs, snails, aphids, and birds. Use physical barriers, like netting, or consider organic pest control methods to protect your plants. Also, be vigilant about common strawberry diseases such as powdery mildew, gray mold (Botrytis), and strawberry root rot. Remove and destroy any infected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
Runners and spacing: Strawberries reproduce through runners, which are horizontal stems that develop new plants. Allow a few runners to take root if you want to expand your strawberry patch. Otherwise, regularly remove excess runners to maintain proper spacing and prevent overcrowding.
Harvesting: Harvest ripe strawberries when they are fully colored and firm. Gently lift the fruit from the plant, taking care not to damage the delicate berries. Enjoy them fresh or use them in various culinary preparations.
RECIPE
“Strawberry shortcake”
by chef Santiago De Filippo
Ingredients:
§ 450 grams fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
§ 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the strawberries)
§ 2 cups all-purpose flour
§ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
§ 1 tablespoon baking powder
§ 1/2 teaspoon salt
§ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
§ 2/3 cup milk
§ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
§ Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat the strawberries in sugar. Set aside and allow the strawberries to macerate for about 30 minutes, until they release their juices.
Preheat your oven to 220°C.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture while stirring with a fork until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Roll out the dough to about 13mm thickness.
Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out individual shortcakes from the dough. Place the shortcakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
To assemble the strawberry shortcakes, split each shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a plate, spoon some of the macerated strawberries onto the shortcake, and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on top and add more strawberries and whipped cream.
Serve the strawberry shortcakes immediately and enjoy!
This classic strawberry shortcake recipe is perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness and vibrant flavour of fresh strawberries. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and serving size based on your preferences. Enjoy!