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Can I Eat Wild Strawberries?
You came across wild strawberries recently while hiking in the woods, and you were not sure whether you could eat them; the temptation to taste was high, but you stopped the urge for fear of poisoning.
You are right, not every good looking fruit is edible, but you can safely eat wild strawberries.
So, can I eat wild strawberries? Yes, this succulent wild fruit is safe to eat. Not only are they safe, but also packed with healthy nutrients.
Like other wild fruits found in the wilderness, such as raspberries, bilberries, and more, they have unbeatable fresh flavor.
Wild strawberries are not only fresh flavored succulent but also high in vitamin C and folic acid.
Wild strawberries are also rich in vitamin A, calcium, polyphenols, and selenium. From a scientific perspective, edible wild strawberries help fight the spread of cancerous cells and also treats rheumatic gout.
A long time ago, herbalists used strawberries to remove plaque or tartar from the teeth. Wild strawberry leaves have various applications too.
Dried strawberry leaves can make a refreshing tea, and when the leaves are boiled, they become a home remedy to stop diarrhea.
Since time immemorial, wild strawberries have been known for their sweet flavor. Its size compared to the cultivated ones is smaller and tastier.
Like the other strawberries, wild strawberries can be served fresh, with pies, making jam, or used in desserts. But in most cases, wild strawberries are consumed fresh before they see the light of the kitchen.
Can I Eat Wild Strawberries – Are wild strawberries edible?
There is a myth that has been doing rounds for decades now that wild strawberry is poisonous. Whenever I see kids getting closer to some random growing strawberry, I caution them against eating, but when they ask why?
For lack of scholarly research, I often beat around the bush without telling the real facts. Then this research conclusively declares wild strawberry as safe and edible.
It has medicinal value when looked at from a scientific perspective. However, wild strawberry has two varieties; Indian strawberry and mock strawberry.
Wild strawberries are the sweetest of the two. You cannot tell apart from the cultivated options except for the taste, which is arguably sweeter. While mock strawberries are edible, they lack flavor.
If you eat one, the taste wouldn’t impress you at all. You might even find yourself throwing up because of the bland taste.
So, are wild strawberries edible? Yes, they are edible, delicious, and medicinal value. Wild strawberries taste better than the ones you could pick in your kitchen garden or nearby grocery store.
I believe I have shed light on the subject of can I eat wild strawberries. If you happen to come by some in the wilderness, feel free to enjoy the feast.
They rarely find their way into the kitchen because, often than not, they are eaten fresh.
Although they are slightly smaller than the cultivated strawberries, only there are bursting with flavor and sweetness.
Can I eat wild strawberries to fight cancer? Wild strawberries are low in calories but more in vitamin C.
That’s not enough; wild strawberries contain vitamin C more than you can get from an orange! That is a fact. Wild strawberries are sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and fat-free. It contains polyphenols and folic acid known to inhibit cancer cells.
Where do wild strawberry plants grow?
Wild strawberries have a long growing season. The amount of sunlight received determines how long they can be harvested. In a good season, you can harvest wild strawberries for more than two months.
However, there is significant competition for this magic fruit from the surrounding wildlife. Even though strawberries are sweet and nutritious, kids may ask: Can I eat wild strawberries?
The answer you give here should be tactical a little bit; telling them wild strawberries is a yes, may present more risks than you may think. Strawberries have many lookalikes, and some of them are very poisonous.
Wild strawberry plants produce white blossoms, while mock strawberry plants produce yellow blossoms.
You cannot differentiate wild strawberries from mock strawberries by looking at their leaves because they are almost identical. And they both grow along the edges of a wild forest or in a semi-wild area. Wild strawberries dangle while mock strawberries grow straight up.
Growing wild strawberries
It is rare to find wild strawberries in commercial nursery beds, so if you plan to grow some in your backyard garden, you must find one and propagate your own. The good news is, it can get a significant ground cover in a short time.
Wild strawberry does well in full or partial sun. Wild strawberry spreads by stolons and rhizomes. As the plant runs on the surface, we get new wild strawberry plants to grow.
Once strawberry gets established, it requires extra care during hot summer, waters them every morning, and when it starts to bear fruits.
Mulch wild strawberry plants during extreme weather season like winter to protect the leaves. You can harvest ripe yummy wild strawberries between April and June. You can preserve them in a fridge to remain fresh for a long time.
Can I Eat Wild Strawberries Conclusion
Thoroughly educate the kids about the difference between wild strawberries and other berries that are poisonous, like elderberries. When in doubt, leave the berries alone until you are confident that the fruit is a wild strawberry.
Can I eat wild strawberries? Yes, they are yummy and have a great flavor than the cultivated options. If you happen to stumble upon some, don’t hesitate to feast.
And you can bring the wild strawberry closer home by propagating some to plant in your backyard garden or along the flowerbeds. They don’t occupy much space, and you can get significant coverage within a short period.
Another advantage of growing wild strawberries is that they are adapted to the wild, so they won’t require any chemicals to spray. What’s more, the berries are nutritious and are known to inhibit cancerous cells. Compared to cultivated strawberries, wild strawberries stand out tastier and yummy.
