History of Dried Strawberry
The garden strawberry was first bred in France in the 1750s; a hybrid species of the Fragaria brought over from Chile in 1714. It was first mentioned in Roman literature due to its medicinal use, and later on, the entire strawberry plant was used to treat depression. The French traditionally serve newlyweds a soup made out of strawberries at the wedding breakfast, since it is considered an aphrodisiac. Now they are considered one of the most popular berry fruits in the world.
There are more than thirty varieties grown in the UK and just like apples they all have their own taste, shape and even colour to differentiate themselves. In blind tastings it’s Jubilee strawberries that are considered the sweetest and the tastiest – the queen of the crop.
Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen each spring and the strawberry season in the UK is short and runs from the end of May through July. To achieve maximum yields during this short season, farmers need to protect emerging berries from the muddy soil. Traditionally, this was done by spreading a layer of straw around each new plant – hence the name strawberry. There are two-hundred seeds on an average strawberry yet they aren’t technically berries – they’re accessory fruits – because berries should have seeds on the inside. China produces 40% of all global strawberry production and, in 2017, world production of strawberries was nine million tonnes.
Dried strawberries are dehydrated by removing water from them which can sometimes remove some of the nutrients in the original fruit, though their sweetness and fibre content remains high. Temperatures are kept between 50˚C and 60˚C as this is the optimum temperature range for drying and retaining nutritional content. Dried fruit has a long tradition of use dating back to the 4000 BC and is prized because of its sweet taste, nutritive value, and long shelf-life.
Strawberries contain lots of nutrients and carry plenty of health benefits:
- Strawberries are sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free and low calorie.
- The fruit contains lots of Vitamin C and just five strawberries have more Vitamin C than an entire orange.
- Their bright colour comes from the large amounts of anthocyanidin which contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties benefitting heart health and blood sugar control.
- They contain Ellagic acid which is thought to help fight some cancers and protect against heart disease.
- Strawberries are an amazing source of manganese, potassium and folate.
- They increase HDL cholesterol and lower your blood pressure.
Strawberry Nutrition Value
| Energy kJ | 1493 kJ/100g |
|---|---|
| Energy kcal | 352 kcal/100g |
| Fats | 0,0g/100g |
| Of which saturated fatty acids | 0,0g/100g |
| Carbohydrates | 80,4g/100g |
| Of which sugars | 79,2g/100g |
| Protein | 4,3g/100g |
| Salt | 0,055g/100g |
Ingredients
General Information about Dried Strawberries
Strawberries are hugely popular fruits and are used to make jam, Italian gelato and eaten as part of the popular Wimbledon dessert strawberries and cream. Dried strawberries are a popular addition to cereal bars, desserts and dairy products such as yoghurt and ice-cream.
If you are looking for the perfect present or gift, the Walnut Tree has a wide selection of hand packed gift trays containing dried strawberries such as their exotic dried fruit and nut selection, soft italian assorted nougat bars or in bulk 1 kilo bags
Walnut Tree Gifts
Read more about us, our story, the Great Taste Awards we’ve won and why we have a passion for superior tasting gifts and snacks.
Walnut Tree Gifts is one of the UK’s leading packers of superior quality dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. We’ve been working in partnership with high-quality retailers since 1995. We are privileged to supply prestigious London stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops with corporate or Walnut Tree custom made gifts.
We’re the only company with Great Taste Awards for marron glacé, glacé fruit, dark chocolate ginger and pate de fruit, so you’re never more than a click away from some delicious delicacies. The website is open 24/7. We will dispatch your order within 48 hours.
All gifts purchased include a complimentary gift bag and card. Choosing a meaningful gift can be difficult – we’re always happy to offer advice. Call or email us. We pride ourselves on our excellent service.
You’ll be delighted to know that as you’re buying directly from the source, you’ll be getting excellent value for your money. And if you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it.
This year, Walnut Tree is supporting Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit and nuts for the care packages they distribute to patients in hospitals throughout London. www.futuredreams.org.uk