WILD STRAWBERRY
Scientific Name: Fragaria vesca
Flavour: Wild strawberries have a delicate, sweet, and slightly tangy flavour. They are known for their intense aromatic quality and distinct strawberry taste.
Growing Season: Wild strawberries typically grow and ripen during the summer months, from June to August. However, the exact growing season may vary depending on the region and specific growing conditions.
Native Region: Wild strawberries are native to Europe, including the British Isles, and can be found in various regions worldwide.
Traditional Recipe: Wild Strawberry Jam
Ingredients:
500 grams of wild strawberries, washed and hulled
500 grams of granulated sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
Pectin (optional, according to the manufacturer's instructions)
Instructions:
Place the wild strawberries in a saucepan and crush them gently with a potato masher or fork to release their juices.
Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
If using pectin, add it according to the manufacturer's instructions and continue to boil for the recommended time.
Skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the jam.
Test the consistency of the jam by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. Allow it to cool and check if it has reached your desired thickness. If not, continue boiling and repeat the test periodically.
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly.
Place the sealed jars in a water bath or boiling water canner for 10-15 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely.
Store the wild strawberry jam in a cool, dark place. It can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or as a topping for desserts.
Health Properties: Wild strawberries are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. They are a good source of dietary fiber and provide essential minerals such as manganese and potassium. Wild strawberries also contain flavonoids, which have been associated with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the specific health properties of wild strawberries may vary depending on the individual and their overall diet and lifestyle.
Growing Technique:
Location: Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot in your garden for growing wild strawberries. They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Planting: Wild strawberries can be grown from seeds, but it is more common to propagate them from runners (stolons). Plant the runners directly in the garden, spacing them about 30 centimeters apart.
Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth around the plants. Remove any weeds that may compete with the wild strawberries.
Pruning: Trim back the foliage of the wild strawberry plants in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding.
Pollination: Wild strawberries are typically self-pollinating, but having pollinators, such as bees, around can enhance fruit production.
Harvesting: Harvest the ripe wild strawberries when they have developed their full colour and are easily plucked from the plant. Gently lift the strawberries from the plant, leaving the green calyx attached.
Propagation: Wild strawberries naturally produce runners that can be pegged down into the soil to create new plants. These runners can also be cut and transplanted to desired locations.