Everything about this fruit is attractive, from its color and shape to its unmistakable flavor. As if that were not enough, the nutritional composition is a luxury: 100 g of strawberries have 58.8 mg of vitamin C (74% of the recommended daily dose) and have only 32 kcal (according to the DGS table). Strawberries are also a source of folates and fiber, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects . Regarding the inclusion of strawberries in meals, there are countless possibilities when it comes time for a meal or to enter the kitchen. They can be eaten for dessert or as snacks throughout the day, alone or accompanied (with yogurt, for example), in the form of drinks (juices, smoothies and granites, for example), ice cream, jams, pies or cakes. We know that strawberries have been present in the human habitats since their origin , with several endemic species present in almost all parts of the world, in temperate climates. From the 18 th century onwards, crossbreeding of varieties multiplied, in favor of larger fruits and a more accentuated flavor. In Portugal , the regions with the highest strawberry production are the Algarve, Ribatejo, Oeste and Alentejo, with the season starting in April and running through September. But, as in other countries and thanks to modern cultivation techniques, they are produced and made available to consumers almost all year round. Strawberry care and storage: Is a very delicate fruit, and should be consumed shortly after being harvested; Due to its short duration, the best way to keep it is in the fridge, between 0ºC and 4ºC; Being a product of a creeping plant, it requires careful washing (although part of the cultivation of strawberries already takes place in hydroponics, without the use of soil); Discover now the recipes for healthy desserts with strawberries from our nutritionists Adriana Marques , Ana Pimenta Ribeiro , Alexandra Lima , Dília Soares , Raquel Barbosa , Simone Fernandes e Teresa Isabel Santos . Meet the nutrition team from Hospital da Luz network . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
