Strawberries are often grouped according to their flowering habit.
Traditionally, this has consisted of a division between "June-bearing"
strawberries, which bear their fruit in the early summer and
"ever-bearing" strawberries, which often bear several crops of fruit
throughout the season.
Strawberries are the only fruit that wear their seeds on the
outside.
Strawberries are very healthy, containing many antioxidants and
vitamins. They are also low in calories, containing only about 32
calories per half a cup. Raw strawberries are 91% water, 8%
carbohydrates, 1% protein, and contain negligible fat. In addition to
being consumed fresh, strawberries can be frozen or made into jam or
preserves, as well as dried and used in prepared foods, such as cereal
bars. Strawberries and strawberry flavorings are a popular addition to
dairy products, such as strawberry milk, strawberry ice cream,
strawberry milkshakes/smoothies and strawberry yogurts. Eating
strawberries is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases.
Strawberries may improve heart health, lower blood sugar levels, and
help prevent cancer.
Strawberries are usually well tolerated, but allergy is fairly common —
especially in young children.