The strawberry's appearance is heart-shaped, with a bright red and tender exterior.
Its juicy flesh offers a delightful combination of sweetness and sourness, creating a rich flavor profile.
Not only is it distinguished by its vibrant color, but it also possesses a unique and pleasant aroma that sets it apart from other fruits.
Nutritionally, strawberries are a powerhouse of various active components. A 100-gram serving of fresh strawberry flesh contains a substantial 60 milligrams of vitamin C, surpassing the content found in apples and grapes.
The flesh is also abundant in sugars, proteins, organic acids, and pectin, delivering a spectrum of vital nutrients.
Furthermore, strawberries boast an array of essential vitamins and minerals including B1, B2, C, PP, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, zinc, and chromium, along with trace elements. Their vitamin C content stands at an impressive three times higher than that of citrus fruits and over ten times more than apples and grapes.
The Nutritional Value of Strawberries:
1. Carotene, present in strawberries, plays a pivotal role in synthesizing vitamin A, contributing to enhanced eye health and liver function.
2. Strawberries exhibit beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract and anemia, providing nourishment and regulatory support.
3. In addition to preventing scurvy, strawberries have proven effective in averting arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
4. Aspartic acid, a component of strawberries, facilitates the natural and gentle removal of heavy metal ions from the body.
Tips for Selecting Strawberries:
1. Shape: Refrain from purchasing overly large or excessively watery strawberries. Avoid peculiar-looking and deformed strawberries. Some strawberries may appear fresh and sizeable but possess deformities and hollow interiors.
These deformities may arise from the misuse of hormones during cultivation and their frequent consumption could potentially compromise human health.
2. Color: Opt for strawberries that exhibit a uniform and vibrant bright red hue, with a glossy appearance. Avoid partially green or half-red fruits. The "white sesame" texture on the strawberry's surface should be a golden yellow. If the "sesame seed" appears red, it might be due to staining.
When purchasing strawberries, gently wipe the surface with your hand or a piece of paper. Excessive red residue on your hand or paper may signal potential issues. Additionally, rinsing strawberries treated with coloring agents under water might cause the water to turn slightly red.
3. Surface Condition: Inspect the strawberry's leaves, ensuring that the tips are bright green with a slight fluffiness. A smooth and undamaged surface indicates a fresh and high-quality strawberry. Conversely, white or gray spots on the surface could indicate the presence of diseased strawberries.
