Strawberry

Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa
Strawberry fruit
Fragaria × ananassa
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	Fragaria
Species	× ananassa
Binomial name	Fragaria × ananassa
Binomial authority
Synonyms

Ripe red strawberries

Strawberries in an Indian garden

Strawberry flower in bloom

Dessert prepared using strawberry as an ingredient

A strawberry is a low-growing, herbaceous plant in the genus Fragaria, part of the rose family. It is widely cultivated for its sweet, red, edible accessory fruit, commonly known as a strawberry. Though referred to as a "berry," the botanical structure of the strawberry classifies it as an aggregate fruit, consisting of many tiny fruits embedded on a fleshy receptacle.

The strawberry is not only appreciated for its flavor but is also used in a wide variety of culinary, cosmetic, and nutritional applications. Its characteristic aroma and taste have also made it a popular flavoring in food products and beverages.

Botany and Morphology

The strawberry plant is a perennial species, forming a leafy crown near the soil surface. The leaves are trifoliate with toothed edges. The plant propagates through above-ground stems known as runners or stolons, which generate new daughter plants.

The true fruits of the strawberry are the small, yellow-brown achenes (mistakenly called "seeds") scattered on the red, fleshy part. The red portion is a swollen receptacle (stem tissue) rather than an ovary, making strawberries an example of a false fruit or pseudocarp.

Cultivated Varieties

The modern cultivated strawberry, known as *Fragaria × ananassa*, is a hybrid of the Virginia strawberry (*Fragaria virginiana*) native to eastern North America and the Chilean strawberry (*Fragaria chiloensis*) from western South America. The hybridization was first achieved in the 18th century in Brittany, France.

History

Wild strawberries have been consumed by humans since ancient times. They were prized by the Romans for their medicinal uses and mentioned in classical literature. The cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the early 14th century but remained limited due to the small size of wild fruits.

The creation of larger, more flavorful cultivated varieties began in the mid-1700s, leading to widespread commercial production. Over time, many cultivars have been developed to enhance size, flavor, shelf life, and resistance to diseases.

Agriculture and Farming

Strawberries are now grown in temperate regions worldwide. Major producers include the United States, Mexico, China, Poland, and Turkey.

They require well-drained soil, full sun, and protection from frost. Farmers often use plasticulture techniques, including plastic mulch and raised beds, to optimize growth and fruit quality. Controlled pollination is vital for fruit development, and commercial strawberry farms often rely on managed bee colonies for this purpose.

Nutritional Value

Strawberries are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin C – an important antioxidant and immune system booster
• Manganese – supports metabolism and bone health
• Folate – important for cell division and pregnancy
• Dietary fiber – supports digestion

Strawberries also contain phytonutrients such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which have potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Nutritional value per 100 grams (raw strawberries)

Nutrient	Amount
Energy	32 kcal
Carbohydrates	7.7 g
Sugars	4.9 g
Dietary fiber	2 g
Protein	0.7 g
Vitamin C	59 mg (98% DV)
Manganese	0.39 mg (19% DV)

(Source: USDA Nutrient Database)

Health Benefits

Strawberries have been studied for their potential benefits in:

• Improving cardiovascular health
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
• Supporting cognitive function

Their high antioxidant content may help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.

Culinary Uses

Strawberries are consumed fresh or used in a variety of preparations, including:

• Fruit salads
• Smoothies
• Jams and preserves
• Desserts such as pies, tarts, cakes, and ice cream
• Yogurts and milkshakes

They are also a popular garnish and ingredient in health foods and nutritional supplements.

Allergies

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to strawberries, which may include oral allergy syndrome, rash, hives, or gastrointestinal symptoms. This is often due to proteins related to those found in birch pollen.

See Also

• Wild strawberry
• Berry
• Fruits
• Vitamin C
• Anthocyanin
• Rosaceae
• Antioxidant

External Links

• USDA Nutrition Data for Strawberries
• Medical News Today – Health benefits of strawberries