A Basic Guide to the Strawberry

Nutritional Benefits of Strawberries, How to Buy, Store and Use Them

Mar 23, 2009

Packed with essential nutrients, having almost no fat, and being very low in calories makes strawberries a quick and nutritious snack for both kids and adults.

According to The George Mateljan Foundation, there are over 600 varieties of strawberries differing in flavor, size, and texture. Although strawberries are available year-round, strawberries are most flavorful during their peak season which is April through July. Sweet, juicy, and full of nutrients, strawberries by themselves make for a quick and healthy snack for both children and adults, but can also be used in a variety of dishes and baked goods.

Nutrients in Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and a very good source of fiber and iodine. In addition, strawberries are a good source of the following essential nutrients:

Strawberries are low in fat and calories with only 0.6 grams of fat and 46 calories per cup. Besides offering many nutrients, strawberries also contain important phytonutrients that protect the body from certain diseases.

Buying and Storing Strawberries

Because a strawberry will not ripen further after it is picked, avoid strawberries with white or green patches. Look for firm, deep-red berries that do not have soft or brown spots. Good strawberries will be plump, heart-shaped, and have caps attached. While extra large strawberries are enticing, large strawberries may actually be dry and hollow, so medium-sized berries are actually the best choice. When purchasing strawberries sold in baskets, avoid baskets with stains on the bottom which indicates old or crushed berries. If purchasing strawberries stored in plastic containers, avoid containers with signs of stains on the bottom or moisture on the inside.

Strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Strawberries should be kept in their original container or can also be stored in a single layer on a paper towel inside a shallow pan or dish. Never leave strawberries out at room temperature or in direct sunlight for too long since this will cause them to spoil.

How to Enjoy Strawberries

While strawberries make a tasty snack all on their own, they can be used in a variety of ways including:

Strawberries do not hold up well when heated, so cooked strawberries are best used for pies, crisps, cobblers, or jams and are great when used to make muffins.

The copyright of the article A Basic Guide to the Strawberry in Food Facts is owned by Jennifer Murray. Permission to republish A Basic Guide to the Strawberry in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.