The strawberry is actually a member of the rose family. It is the only fruit in the world with seeds on the outside rather than the inside. The strawberry is the most popular berry in the world. It's bright red color is very appealing to the human eye. There are over 600 varities of the fruit. There are wild strawberries and cultivated ones. The cultivated ones you buy in stores are actually a hybrid. Wild ones are much smaller and more intense in flavor.

• Vitamin C - 136%
• Vitamin B2 - 5%
• Vitamin B5 - 4%
• Vitamin B6 - 4%
• Vitamin K - 3%
• Copper - 2%
• Manganese - 20%
• Dietary fiber - 13%
• Iodine - 8%
• Potassium - 6%
• Folate - 5%

The bright red color of strawberries is due to their high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radical and rid the blood of harmful toxins. Free radicals damage cells and cause most types of cancer. Their high antioxidant compacity make them an ideal food for fighting cancer.

The USDA human nutrition center on aging found that strawberries help slow the decline of age-related loss of cognitive and motor skills. The nutrients in strawberries nourish brain cells increasing brain health and function.

The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals of strawberries combine to form a powerful disease fighting mixture. Supplementing strawberries into your diet is recommended for rheumatism, gout, and catarhh. They are also recommended for health problems such as high blood pressure, constipation, and the flu.

Strawberries can be used to remove tartar in two ways. You can eat them, which is what most people will do, or you can cut them in half and rub them across your teeth.The acid in strawberries is extremely effective at dissolving the tartar. Aside from removing the tartar on your teeth, the acids dramatically improve gum health

Strawberries are one of the most perishable fruits. It is important to buy them when they are in season so they don't go bad. They are in season from April to October. Strawberries bought out of season aren't as rich in flavor, plus they vitamins and minerals. Choose strawberries that are bright red in color, firm, and have green caps. You want to buy them just before you plan on eating them. This way you eat them while they are fresh and still packed with nutrients. After you buy them you will need to store them in the refridgerator. Use them within 1 to 2 days.

Strawberries are one of the most versatile fruits. They can be used for so many things. Here are commonly used in

• smoothies
• salads
• deserts
• side dishes
• yogurts
• ice creams
• fruit dishes
• appetizers
• alcoholic beverages
• candy
• drinks

- 4 to 5 large hulled strawberries

- 1/3 cup nonfat milk powder

- 1/2 teaspon vanilla

- 1 cup of ice cubes

- dash of salt

blend ingredients in a blender

Strawberries have a long and rich history. The health benefits of strawberry have long been documented. They were cultivated before the christian era by the romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire they lost popularity and were forgetten. They later came back on the scene in Europe. Once they emerged in Europe they have been prized ever since. They have always been treasured for their medicinal purposes and great flavor. While always being extremely popular, the strawberry didnt gain its spot as the number one berry in the world until a the hybrid kind that you buy in stores was cultivated.