Garden strawberry

Garden Strawberry

The Garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a widely grown hybrid species of the genus Fragaria, collectively known as the strawberries. It is cultivated worldwide for its fruit. The fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness.

History

The garden strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 1750s via a cross of Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America and Fragaria chiloensis, which was brought from Chile by Amédée-François Frézier in 1714.

Cultivation

Cultivation of the strawberry plant requires well-drained, sandy-loam to loam type soils, high in organic matter. They are difficult to grow in areas with extreme temperatures and are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests.

Uses

Strawberries are consumed fresh and used in a variety of processed foods, including jam, jelly, pies, ice cream, milkshakes, and chocolates. They are also used in cosmetic products for their fragrance and skin-benefiting properties.

Nutritional Value

Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, and have been recognized for their antioxidant properties.

See Also

• Strawberry
• Fragaria
• Fruit
• Vitamin C
• Manganese