Strawberry

Strawberries are a staple summer fruit – whether you’re using them for baking or blending them up as part of a fruity smoothie. This seasonal berry makes for the perfect addition to a smoothie and can help add a deeper flavour to a variety of recipes.

Photograph of some whole strawberries next to some halved strawberries
Image by Engin_Akyurt

Origins of the strawberry

It’s believed that the earliest strawberries – which are part of the rose family – date back all the way to the 14th century. Plants found in both Europe and North America cultivated strawberries, with the first mass plantation of the fruit taking place under the rule of King Charles V in the gardens of the Louvre and in Dijon, France. The type that we know today, however, are likely to be of North American origin, originally grown by Native Americans. These were then blended with a Chilean variety in the 18th century to create a hybrid plant that is now used as the basis for the strawberry.

Health benefits

So why are strawberries good for you? For starters, strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and K, containing more Vitamin C than oranges. Also, the berry is packed full of other great vitamins and minerals, including potassium, fibre and folic acid.

Strawberries are incredibly low in calories – a 100g serving is only about 30 calories thanks to the berry’s high water content – and have been proven to help prevent heart disease and inflammatory issues in the body.

Why it works in a smoothie

Not only can the addition of strawberry to your smoothie recipe pack it full of vitamins and minerals, but it can also help contribute to taste and colour. Adding frozen strawberries rather than fresh to your smoothie can give it a cool, refreshing temperature without making it watery, whilst adding a natural sweetness that won’t send your smoothie’s calorie count skyrocketing. Its high level of antioxidants and immune system boosting properties will not just make your smoothie taste good, but make you feel good too.

  • Jan Not in season in January
  • Feb Not in season in February
  • Mar Not in season in March
  • Apr Not in season in April
  • May Not in season in May
  • Jun In season in June
  • Jul In season in July
  • Aug In season in August
  • Sep Not in season in September
  • Oct Not in season in October
  • Nov Not in season in November
  • Dec Not in season in December

Strawberries aren’t even fruit! Because it doesn’t grow from a specific seed and it wears its seeds on the outside of its skin, they are actually classed as 'runners'

Smoothies containing Strawberry