- Category
- Fruit
- State
- Fresh
- Usual unit
- g
What it is
The strawberry is the edible fruit of a plant in the genus Fragaria and is treated as a fruit in cooking. Strawberries sold in shops can differ considerably: some are small and highly aromatic, while others are larger and firmer. Their colour is generally red when ripe, but shade and flavour intensity depend on the variety. Strawberries can be eaten fresh on their own or in fruit salads, and they are also made into compote, jam, juice, smoothies and baked desserts. In cooking, they can contribute sweetness, aroma, acidity and colour, making them suitable for simple dishes as well as more elaborate desserts.
When to use it
Choose fresh strawberries when you want juicy fruit to eat as it is, add to breakfast, mix into a fruit salad or serve with dessert. Ripe, aromatic berries work well in dishes where the fruit is served raw; strawberries that are less suitable for serving whole can also be cooked into compote or jam. Their sweet-tart flavour pairs with chocolate, cream and citrus, and can add contrast to some savoury dishes. Varieties differ in size, firmness and flavour, so taste the fruit and adjust the sweetness of the recipe to suit it.
How to use it
Remove the leaves and stalk just before preparing or serving strawberries. Serve them whole or slice them for a fruit salad, breakfast or dessert. To make a compote or jam, cut the berries into pieces and cook them to the texture you prefer, adjusting sweetness to the fruit and the recipe. Strawberries can also be blended into juice or smoothies, or used as a topping or filling for cakes and other sweets. For an easy flavour contrast, serve them with chocolate, cream or orange juice. In savoury dishes, use them with care and taste for balance; sweetness, acidity and firmness can vary between varieties.
Flavour and texture
Strawberries are usually juicy, tender and aromatic, with a flavour ranging from sweet to lightly tart. Size, aroma and intensity vary by variety: smaller berries can be especially fragrant, while some larger strawberries are firmer and sweeter.
How to choose it
Choose fruit that looks fresh, firm and bright, without obvious bruising. Colour and size alone do not guarantee a particular flavour, since varieties differ in aroma, sweetness and firmness. When possible, check that the berries are not soft or damaged.
Storage
Strawberries spoil easily. To help them retain their condition, leave the leaves and stalks on until you are ready to eat them, and wash them just before serving rather than before storage. Handle them gently and check the berries before use; remove any that are clearly deteriorated.
Substitutions
Raspberries or other soft berries can replace strawberries in salads, sauces, compotes, jams or smoothies. The flavour, acidity, juice and texture will change, so taste the mixture and adjust sweetness. Do not assume an exact equivalent.
Common mistakes
Do not choose strawberries by size or colour alone: aroma, firmness and flavour vary between varieties. Avoid washing them long before use, and leave the leaves and stalks on until you are ready to prepare them, as the fruit is delicate.
Safety and allergens
If you have a food allergy, check the information for prepared products and ask about ingredients when needed. The composition of packaged or prepared products may differ from that of fresh fruit.
Culinary uses
- fresh fruit for eating as-is or adding to fruit salads
- ingredient for compotes, jams, juices, smoothies, desserts and some savoury dishes
Recommended techniques
- serve whole or sliced, raw
- cook into a compote or jam
- blend into juice or a smoothie
- use as a topping or filling for desserts
Pairs well with
- chocolate
- cream
- orange juice
- sugar
Frequently asked questions
Can strawberries be eaten raw?
Yes. Eat them whole or sliced, on their own or in a fruit salad or dessert.
What can I make with strawberries?
As well as serving them fresh, you can use them in compotes, jams, juices, smoothies and baking.
Do all strawberries taste the same?
No. Aroma, sweetness, acidity, size and firmness vary between varieties.
Ingredient allergens
Allergen listThere are no verified associations for these ingredients yet.
Estimated nutrition
- Fat
- 0 g
- Saturates
- 0 g
- Carbohydrate
- 8.57 g
- Sugars
- 5.71 g
- Fibre
- 1.4 g
- Protein
- 0.71 g
- Salt
- 0 g
Sources and review
Automatically researched, cross-checked and validated content. Sources consulted:
- Alérgenos alimentarios | EFSA www.efsa.europa.eu/es/safe2eat/food-allergens
- Client Challenge doi.org/10.2307/jj.27939689.16
- Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición www.aesan.gob.es/
- Food Allergies | FDA www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/food-allergies
- Food allergens | Food Safety and Quality | FAO www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/food-allergens/en
- Allergen guidance for food businesses - GOV.UK www.gov.uk/government/publications/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses/allergen-guidance-f…
- Allergen labelling for consumers | Food Standards Australia New Zealand www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/allergen-labelling
- Common food allergens - Canada.ca www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-allergies-intoleranc…
- Fresas: usos, propiedades y beneficios mercadosantamariadelacabeza.es/blog/productos-temporada/fresas
- Fresas: usos, propiedades y recetas | Fine Dining Lovers www.finedininglovers.es/explorar/noticias/todo-sobre-la-fresa
- Fresas y fresones: Qué debes saber sobre esta fruta deliciosa y versátil | Gastronomía & Cía www.gastronomiaycia.com/fresas-y-fresones-que-debes-saber-sobre-esta-fruta-deliciosa-y-versa…
- - YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDWER1TFF9I
- Las fresas: las reinas de la primavera www.afuegolento.com/articulo/las-fresas-reinas-la-primavera/1918/
- Fresa | Origen y variedades | Frutas | EROSKI CONSUMER frutas.consumer.es/fresa/origen-y-variedades
- Fragaria - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragaria
- La fresa, una fruta rica en fibra y de gran sabor dulce | Naturarla | Arla www.arlafoods.es/alimentacion/la-fresa/
