If you grew up outside of Israel, strawberries were always available. Week in and week out those red juicy looking fruits could be purchased at any supermarket….but here in Israel we wait (im)patiently until our home grown strawberry season begins and you just can’t beat the taste of fresh strawberries in Israel especially after the long break without them.
As soon as we hit early November those first strawberries hit the grocery stores. At those astronomical prices most of us hold off until they reach the peak of their season which is probably during January/February when the prices are better and the flavors are the best! It is no surprise that the strawberry fields are packed with people eager to pick their own fresh produce. The taste is like nothing you have eaten from supermarkets and even with the strange sensation of eating strawberries that have been heated up by the warm winter sun you just can’t get enough of them. Even more important, this is a stunning activity for families, couples, and people of all ages. A time to enjoy nature and relax in the strawberry fields. So, the question is, where is the best place to go? Where is the nearest place for strawberry picking? Click here for a list of the main strawberry fields as recommended by you! Be sure to tell the owners that you heard about them here, at LoveLoveIsrael! Be sure to leave your reviews and if you find somewhere new please let us know! NOTE: Most places require registration to limit numbers. Call or check their FB or websites.
Health benefits of strawberries
Courtesy of http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/strawberries.html
Strawberry is low in calories (32 cal/100 g) and fats but rich source of health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
Strawberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Scientific studies show that consumption of these berries may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.
Strawberry has an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, a measure of anti-oxidant strength) of about 3577 µmol TE per 100 grams.
Fresh berries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (100 g provide 58.8 mg or about 98% of RDI), which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals.
The fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help the body metabolize carbohydrate, proteins and fats.
Strawberries contain vitamin-A, vitamin-E and health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin, and beta-carotene in small amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
Furthermore, They contain good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and is important for prevention of dental caries.