They’re everywhere. Little red berries on creeping plants. They’re a mini variation of strawberries. And they appear like they ‘d be good to eat. But are they edible? Are they safe to snack on?
Wild strawberries are a common native plant discovered growing in open fields, forests as well as our lawns. In truth, some individuals think about the wild strawberry plant to be nothing more than a weed. Yet, it’s so much more than that.
Are Wild Strawberries Edible?
Smaller than store-bought strawberries, which are a hybrid of the wild strawberry and a European types, the berries are a preferred treat to lots of birds and animals, in addition to people. Yes, contrary to what some might believe, wild strawberries are not harmful. In truth, the berries are edible and tasty.
There is, nevertheless, a similar plant, called Indian mock strawberry, which has yellow flowers (instead of white), that produces berries with little to no flavor. The cool, clump-forming practice of wild strawberries makes them an excellent option for edging or ground cover. They can also be grown in containers, hanging baskets or strawberry jars.
Are wild strawberries edible? Yes, of course!
The brief answer is: YES, wild strawberries are edible, and tasty, as well as used for medicinal functions!
However … there are two types of “wild” strawberries: True wild strawberries, and “Indian Strawberries”, also called “mock” or “incorrect” strawberries.
Mock strawberries are not poisonous, however they do not have any taste to speak of. Wild strawberries are scrumptious, and taste similar to the strawberries you ‘d pick in your garden.
There are a few ways to discriminate between a true wild strawberry and it’s misleading cousin. The easiest identifiers for me to keep in mind are …
- Wild Strawberries have white blooms.
- Mock Strawberries have yellow flowers.
- Wild Strawberries will have a strong strawberry fragrance when squashed.
- Mock Strawberries do not smell like anything when squashed.
- Mock Strawberries point straight up.
It’s good to know that if the kids choose to put either among these berries in their mouth, I have nothing to stress over. As a matter of fact, they’re both highly nutritious, and packed with vitamin C. Got ta love that!
Are Frozen Wild Strawberries Healthy?
Fresh wild strawberries are a healthy addition to any diet. The health worth of frozen wild strawberries depends upon the type you select.
Unsweetened frozen wild strawberries provide a number of the same nutrients as fresh and their advantages are offered year-round; however, sweetened versions can include too much sugar to your diet.
Wild Strawberry Nutrients Facts
One cup of defrosted, unsweetened wild strawberries, provides 77 calories and no fat. This serving includes more than 150 percent of the suggested dietary allowance for vitamin C, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Wild strawberries are likewise a source of vitamin K, folate and manganese. Eating unsweetened, frozen wild strawberries in place of greater calorie snacks, such as chips or candy, can help you manage your weight. However, if you pick sweetened wild strawberries, the calorie count per cup increases to 199 calories.
Wild Strawberry Fiber Content
Both sweetened and unsweetened wild strawberries supply 5 grams of fiber per thawed cup. Fiber can help prevent constipation, promote colon health and lower cholesterol. The Institute of Medicine recommends women consume at least 25 grams of fiber everyday and men eat 38 grams.
Sugar Concerns
The American Heart Association suggests restricting sugarcoated to 6 teaspoons daily for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men. The natural sugar in unsweetened wild strawberries does not count towards this limitation, however a serving of sweetened, frozen wild strawberries rapidly puts you at, or over, your daily added sugar allotment.
Wild Strawberry Flower Varieties
Wild strawberries produce several clusters of flowers. The wild strawberry flower, which is white, normally begins flowering in late spring or early summertime and lasts about one to two months.
These blossoms are followed by the familiar red strawberries. These plants are sturdy in USDA Growing Zones 3 through 10, and there are a number of types readily available, so it’s simple to discover one fit to your region. You might currently have them growing someplace on your home or business.
The most common varieties include: Virginia wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana– This is one of the most popular types of wild strawberry. It has light green leaves and small, delicious berries. Beach or coast strawberry, Fragaria chiloensis– The leaves of this range are dark green and glossy.
While its berries are also edible, they’re not as palatable. Woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca– This type takes pleasure in moist, dubious conditions, and is normally discovered in woody areas. Both the flowers and leaves are larger than other types and its foliage is more bluish in color. The bigger berries are likewise rather scrumptious.
Cultivating Wild Strawberries
The wild strawberry plant is easy to grow and will ultimately infect form a nice ground cover (about 6-12 inches high), so this is something to consider when growing wild strawberries. Give it area.
It’s likewise a cool-season plant, which suggests that it grows actively during spring and fall however goes inactive in summer and once again in winter season. The wild strawberry flower normally chooses complete sun to partial shade. It also likes abundant soil that is rather wet, though is tolerant of a little dry conditions too.
If your soil consists of a great deal of clay or drains pipes improperly, changing it with raw material will help. Wild strawberries spread by stolons (above ground runners) and rhizomes.
As the runners grow, they send up new strawberry plants, which can be quickly transplanted from other areas of your house into the garden. Divide and transplant in early spring simply as the brand-new growth appears. Raise plants and pull apart the crowns. You can likewise acquire plants from nurseries.
When planting wild strawberry, keep the crowns at ground level and water well. Top-dress the soil with garden compost and mulch plants with straw to help soil retain wetness and keep fruits clean.
Wild Strawberry Plant Care
Once developed, wild strawberry needs little care aside from keeping them watered during heat and while flourishing. During winter season in chillier climates, you might want to mulch the plants with straw or loose leaves to help protect them. Ripe berries can be collected anytime during April through June.
They are a great source of Vitamin C and can be used on cereal, in pancakes, fruit salad, sauces and more, similar to regular strawberries. Wild strawberries are an exceptional addition to any backyard garden, whether the fruits are taken pleasure in by you or your wildlife pals.
Health Tips
Frozen fruits are packaged at the peak of ripeness. Fresh wild strawberries that come distant areas might be picked prior to they are totally ripe, which might prevent them from reaching their nutritional capacity. During transportation, these fruits may likewise experience nutrient deterioration since of direct exposure to heat and light.
Frozen wild strawberries likewise provide a more effective texture and more intense taste for healthy smoothies or purees. When defrosted, nevertheless, frozen wild strawberries are drooping and do not make good additions to fruit salads and tarts.
Good luck! Have a nice weekend!
