Strawberry– More than a Popular Summer Fruit: A Mini-Review
Raghavendra Prasad, J. Lisiecka, Kavana Raj
Abstract
Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are well known for their attractive red fruits, characteristic aroma and distinct taste. They are grown and eaten all over the world and they are considered a popular summer fruit. Apart from the abovementioned valued characteristics, strawberry fruits are a significant source of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, phytochemicals, polyphenols, and antioxidants. In recent years, the increase in production and consumption of strawberries around the world can be noticed. Additionally, strawberries are now considered a ‘functional food’ due to the associated taste, nutritional composition, phytochemicals and multiple health benefits. The review provides a brief overview of strawberries not only as popular summer fruits, but also as health-promoting beneficial fruits. The nutritious, dietary and phytochemical properties as well as biological benefits of strawberries on human health are highlighted. The synergetic role of strawberry as a functional food and some of the key pre-harvest and post-harvest factors which influence strawberry yield and overall fruit quality are discussed. Apart from the numerous benefits associated with strawberries, some allergies are also linked with their consumption which is also mentioned in the article.