THE BENEFITS OF EATING INCREDABLY NUTRITIOUS STRAWBERRIES
A STAPLE IN CYPRUS
Produced all over the island, but in particular around the village of Deryneia in the east of the island, strawberries have become a staple in Cyprus. This fruit has also been proven to support the immune system and digestive tract. The benefits of regularly eating fresh strawberries are numerous and varied, and incorporating them into a regular diet may also help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.
THE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED DIET
Low in calories, a daily supply of strawberries is regularly recommended by most diets. They act as an excellent supplement for those looking to maintain a healthy weight and are generally thought to offer a wide range of health benefits. Eating them daily is thought to boost overall well-being, and it is suggested that regular consumption may help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. This vibrant, incredibly nutritious fruit also offers a refreshing cool reprieve on a hot day.
SEVERAL HEALTH BENEFITS
PACKED WITH VITAMINS & MINERALS
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, eating this juicy berry as part of a balanced diet, will help meet the daily amount of recommended vitamin C and fibre. They are also a good source of important nutrients such as potassium, foliate, and manganese.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and helps to ward off infections and several illnesses.
FIBRE
Fibre is essential for good digestive health, and a diet rich in fibre, promotes a healthy gut by regulating the movement of the bowel by preventing constipation. A fibre-rich diet is also a factor for lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants help to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants are also considered to have anti-cancer properties.
POTASSIUM
Potassium is essential for regulating blood pressure and maintaining proper muscle function.
FOLIATE
Foliate helps maintain cell division and DNA synthesis.
MANGANESE
Manganese plays an important role in bone health and overall metabolism.
INTERESTING CYPRUS STRAWBERRY FACTS
- Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen each spring.
- The strawberry is the only fruit to wear its 200 or so seeds on the outside.
- Not technically a berry, strawberries are classed as accessory fruits.
- As a member of the rose family, the strawberry grows as a perennial bush and emits a sweet fragrance as it grows.
- The lesser-known tabletop method of cultivation, which keeps strawberry plants away from pests and soil diseases, is often employed when growing strawberries.
- Ancient Romans believed strawberries had medicinal powers and used them to treat everything from depression to fever and sore throats.
- Native Americans were among the earliest people to eat strawberries, introducing them to European settlers.
- Rinsing cut strawberries under water speeds up their spoiling process.
- There is a museum in Belgium solely dedicated to strawberries.
- There are three summer varieties and six winter varieties of strawberries grown throughout Cyprus.
- Camarosa, Ventana, and Albion are the most popular varieties of strawberry grown on the island.
- January marks the peak strawberry season in Cyprus.
- The largest strawberry plantations are in the districts of Famagusta and Limassol.
GENERAL STRAWBERRY FACTS
Botanical note: Strawberries are not true berries. A strawberry is technically an aggregate accessory fruit. The small seeds on the surface are the true fruits (achenes), each containing a single seed.
Varieties: There are many varieties grown worldwide, with flavours ranging from intensely sweet to tart. Common types include June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties.
Nutrition: Strawberries are low in calories and high in vitamin C. They also provide fibre, manganese, and various antioxidants, including polyphenols.
Seasons: In the Northern Hemisphere, peak strawberry season is usually late spring to early summer. In warmer regions, they can be harvested for much of the year.
Flavour chemistry: The fruity aroma comes from a blend of volatile compounds, including esters and aldehydes. As strawberries ripen, sugar levels increase, and acidity decreases, enhancing flavour.
Quick tips for selecting: Look for bright red colour, a fresh green cap, plump and firm texture, and a sweet fragrance. Avoid berries that are mushy or have mould.
Storage: Don’t wash strawberries until you’re ready to eat them. Store them in the fridge in a breathable container and use them within a few days for best quality.
Fun uses: They’re great in salads, smoothies, desserts, and jams. They pair well with balsamic vinegar, chocolate, yoghurt, and mint.
Fun fact: The white core at the top of a strawberry is called the receptacle, which holds the seeds on the surface.
