A Story of InPlasTwin Fruit: Strawberries
Origins and history of strawberries
The name “strawberry” has three potential origins: the most common theory suggests it derives from the berries appearing “strewn” on the plant; alternatively, it could stem from the practice of mulching strawberry beds with straw, or from a folk tale of children stringing berries on straws.
Originating in France, cultivated strawberries first appeared in the 18th century as hybrids of wild American species. While commonly called fruits, strawberries are enlarged flower receptacles; the true fruits are the tiny seeds on their surface. The strawberry is a member of the Rosaceae family belonging to the Fragaria genus (from Latin for ‘fragrant’). Strawberries mostly found at the markets today are largely hybrids, evolving from wild varieties known for centuries.
Strawberries: myth and symbolism
Roman mythology connects strawberries to Venus’s tears for Adonis, transforming them into heart-shaped symbols of love and fertility, which later inspired medieval associations with passion and perfection, evidenced by their decorative use in churches.
Culturally, their heart shape and red hue linked them to love and fertility, evident in Victorian flower language, romantic legends, French wedding customs, and Bavarian folk offerings to elves for agricultural blessings.
Historically, prior to the 16th century, strawberries lacked widespread esteem, but later gained recognition for purported medicinal uses, ranging from treating infections based on perceived visual similarities to symptoms, to wound healing due to their blood-like color, and even extensive cosmetic applications. Ancient Romans also attributed diverse therapeutic benefits to strawberries, including relief from various ailments.
Strawberries-nutritional and healthy facts
Strawberries are considered as superfood, presenting nutritional highly richh fruits and offering a wealth of health benefits within their small, vibrant package. Primarily, they’re remarkably low in calories, making them a guilt-free treat, with a high-water content that contributes to hydration. The real benefits, however, lie in their abundant bioactive compounds.
These compounds include a rich array of antioxidants, crucial for combating harmful free radicals in the body. Flavonoids, a prominent group, include anthocyanins, which not only give strawberries their deep red hue but also possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Phenolic acids, such as hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, further strengthening the antioxidant defense.
While vitamin C is a well-known attribute, strawberries also contain fat-soluble vitamins and folates, enhancing their overall nutritional value. Organic acids like malic, tartaric, citric, and gallic acids, alongside carbohydrates, contribute to the fruit’s unique flavor profile.
Furthermore, strawberries are a significant source of dietary fiber, including pectin, which supports digestive health. They also provide a broad spectrum of essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, each playing vital roles in various bodily functions.
The combined effect of these bioactive compounds is significant. They work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, inhibit inflammatory gene expression, and protect against oxidative damage. This translates to potential protective effects against chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. Notably, ellagic acid, found in strawberries, has shown promise in reducing inflammation during acute lung injury and exhibits antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties, further emphasizing the fruit’s potential health benefits.
Interesting facts about strawberries
- Each individual strawberry fruit contains approximately 200 seeds.
- The Fragaria species exhibits broad environmental tolerance, facilitating cultivation in diverse geographical regions.
- A serving of eight strawberries provides a vitamin C concentration exceeding that of an orange, representing 140% of the recommended daily allowance.
- The vitamin C content of strawberries contributes to plaque reduction, thereby supporting dental health.
- Strawberries contain ellagic acid, a compound under investigation for its potential in cancer prevention.
- The strawberry plant, along with the raspberry, is a member of the Rosaceae family.
- Unlike climacteric fruits, strawberries do not continue to ripen post-harvest.
- In French tradition, a strawberry-based soup is served to newlyweds, reflecting its historical association with aphrodisiac qualities
Beyond the Surface: How Micro and Nanoplastics (MNPs) Affect Strawberry Cultivation
The increasing prevalence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in agricultural soils has raised concerns about their impact on crop growth, soil health, and food safety. Strawberries are particularly vulnerable to these pollutants due to their shallow root systems and high soil interaction.
Main sources of MNPs in strawberry cultivation are plastic mulch films commonly used in strawberry farming to control weeds, conserve moisture, and improve fruit quality. Over time, these films degrade into smaller plastic particles that persist in the soil for decades. MNPs can also enter agricultural soil through irrigation water, atmospheric deposition, or the application of plastic-contaminated fertilizers.
The accumulation of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in soils not only degrades critical soil properties, disrupts nutrient cycling and microbial activity, and inhibiting essential enzymatic functions, but also exerts a complex influence on strawberry growth, with low concentrations potentially stimulating growth via enhanced nutrient uptake, while higher concentrations induce oxidative stress, root damage, and reduced nutrient absorption, ultimately hindering plant development.
MNPs also affect the nutritional and safety aspects of strawberries. High levels of MNPs downregulate genes involved in antioxidant responses, leading to oxidative damage that can affect fruit development. Also, studies have confirmed the presence of MPs and NPs in fruits like strawberries, raising concerns about human exposure through consumption.
To mitigate the negative effects of MNPs on strawberry cultivation solutions can be in:
- Replacing polyethylene-based mulches with biodegradable alternatives
- Enhanced practices for plastic film removal and recycling thus minimizing soil contamination.
- Stricter regulations on plastic use in agriculture are essential to limit MNP accumulation in soils.
InPlasTwin, a Horizon Europe project, will utilize advanced analytical techniques to study MNP impacts on hydroponic strawberries—from plant health and fruit development to overall quality—while simultaneously developing effective MNP extraction methods to enhance environmental monitoring, ultimately applying this knowledge to assess MNP uptake and its effects on crop cultivation and food safety through controlled experiments, and further investigating the influence of plastic mulching on strawberry production, including MNP presence in fruit and sensory quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the strawberry’s captivating journey—from its ancient origins and symbolic weight to its potent nutritional profile—makes it a compelling subject for ongoing exploration. With initiatives like InPlasTwin tackling the critical challenge of MNPs contamination, the future of sustainable strawberry cultivation holds promise, embracing innovative solutions that ensure its safe and abundant presence in our lives.
Explore our blog for in-depth insights into InPlasTwin’s research and its impact on hydroponic strawberry production.
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