“Strawberries, Cherries and an Angel’s kiss in spring.. My summer wine is really made from all these things.” Everyone were mesmerized when Nancy Sinatra and Lee Haz sang this duet.. A promise to children of Fresh Strawberries topped with cream after dinner will make even the fussiest kid to finish their food off in no time. The shape and color of the fruit makes it one of the most attractive fruits of all. Folklore says that it was considered a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love, probably because of its shape and color.
Strawberries belong to the rose family and were cultivated in ancient Rome. Before they were cultivated, they were available the wild.
We came across the above wild Strawberry plant in Smokey Mountains, Tennessee.
Every species of cultivated Strawberry has a different structure. But most of them are spreading and need support to grow well. The flowers are white with yellow center.
The leaves are green, obovate to rhombic-oblong, lateral leaflets slightly smaller than at branch-ends, margins coarsely saw-toothed.
The fruit is green when raw and turns red when ripe.
In France this fruit is considered as aphrodisiac and is a rule that cold Strawberry soup is must-have on the menu for newly-weds!
The largest commercial producers of strawberries are USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, Italy and New Zealand. In India it is grown in Mahabaleshwar, a tiny hill station in Maharashtra. It is dotted with Strawberry fields amidst the hills.
Recipes using Strawberry are as follows:
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Strawberry Milk Shake
- Strawberry Chutney
- Strawberry in Salad
- Strawberry Salad
- Strawberry Drink
- Strawberry Sauce
- Banana Strawberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Sponge Cake
- Strawberry Pastry
For the calorie conscious, they can relax and can snack on this delicious fruit as a cup of strawberries contain only 55 calories. They are rich in Vitamin C and is packed with folic acid, which is ideal for a mother-to-be. Folic acid during pregnancy reduces birth defects of babies involving brain and nerve disorders. It also contains a very important compound called ellagitannin, which is known to fight the deadly disease cancer. They make the blood alkaline and are useful in relieving joint pains. They are also a blood purifier.
So pamper yourself with Strawberries for a love filled life ahead!
