Stawberries...

Do you see the picture above? It is called Fragaria virginiana or Fragaria chilioensis. But for the sake of simplicity, let's just call it strawberry okay=) Why would I want to write about this fruit? Because I like it of course. And I think this fruit has a very unique taste. In one bite, you are able to taste the sweetness and also a little bit of sour taste. But surely it's very refreshing. The sweet juiciness and deep red color of strawberries can brighten up someone's day. Other than the taste and the shape of it. Strawberry offers many health benefits. And the best part is that ideally this fruit should be a part of everyone's daily diet. How good is that? The strawberry, like many other perishable fruits at this time, remained a luxury item only enjoyed by the wealthy until the mid-19th century. But now strawberry is the most popular berry fruit in the world. Currently, the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are among the largest commercial producers of strawberries.

• Strawberries contain a range of nutrients, with vitamin C heading the group. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.
• Strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

• Subjects who consumed the lowest amounts of vitamin C-rich foods were more than three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who consumed the highest amounts.
• The ellagitannin content of strawberries has actually been associated with decreased rates of cancer death. In one study, strawberries topped a list of eight foods most linked to lower rates of cancer deaths among a group of over 1,000 elderly people. Those eating the most strawberries were three times less likely to develop cancer compared to those eating few or no strawberries.

I hope this can be an encouragement for you who does not like strawberry to start to eating it and liking it.

The strawberry "is the wonder of all the Fruits growing naturally in those parts...In some parts where the Natives have planted, I have many times seen as many as would fill a good ship, within a few miles compasse."Roger Williams, founder of Providence in 1636

(article sources from here, )(images from flickr, vi.sualize.us & foodgakwer)