Are strawberries acidic. How do they affect acid reflux. Can you make strawberries less acidic. What are the best ways to enjoy strawberries in a balanced diet.

The Acidity of Strawberries: pH Levels Explained

Strawberries are indeed acidic fruits. On the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, strawberries typically fall between 3 and 3.5. This places them firmly in the acidic category, as anything below 7 is considered acidic, with lower numbers indicating higher acidity.

Why are strawberries acidic? The acidity in strawberries comes from various organic acids, primarily citric acid and malic acid. These acids contribute to the fruit’s tangy flavor and help preserve it naturally.

Comparing Strawberry Acidity to Other Foods

To put strawberry acidity into perspective, let’s compare it to some other common foods:

• Lemon juice: pH 2.0-2.6
• Vinegar: pH 2.4-3.4
• Strawberries: pH 3.0-3.5
• Apples: pH 3.3-4.0
• Tomatoes: pH 4.3-4.9
• Bananas: pH 4.5-5.2

As we can see, strawberries are more acidic than many other fruits but less acidic than citrus fruits like lemons.

Strawberries and Acid Reflux: What You Need to Know

Given their acidity, strawberries can potentially aggravate symptoms of acid reflux in some individuals. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat, commonly known as heartburn.

Do strawberries always trigger acid reflux? Not necessarily. While some people with acid reflux may need to avoid strawberries, others might be able to enjoy them in moderation without experiencing symptoms. It’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your diet and acid reflux.

Tips for Enjoying Strawberries with Acid Reflux

1. Eat smaller portions
2. Consume strawberries with a meal rather than on an empty stomach
3. Avoid eating strawberries close to bedtime
4. Try pairing strawberries with alkaline foods to balance acidity

Balancing Strawberry Acidity: Pairing with Alkaline Foods

While you can’t change the inherent acidity of strawberries, you can balance their effects on your body by pairing them with alkaline foods. This approach can help neutralize the overall pH of your meal or snack.

How does pairing alkaline foods with strawberries work? Think of it like adding water to lemon juice. The water dilutes the acidity, making the overall mixture less acidic. Similarly, combining strawberries with alkaline foods can create a more pH-balanced dish.

Alkaline Foods to Pair with Strawberries

• Spinach (pH 5.5-6.8)
• Avocado (pH 6.2-6.8)
• Almonds (pH 6.0-6.9)
• Bananas (pH 4.5-5.2)
• Melon (pH 6.1-6.6)
• Cucumber (pH 5.1-5.7)

Delicious and Balanced Strawberry Recipes

Now that we understand how to balance strawberry acidity, let’s explore some delicious recipes that incorporate this approach.

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

This nutrient-packed smoothie combines the sweetness of strawberries with alkaline-forming spinach for a balanced and refreshing drink.

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Blend all ingredients until smooth. The spinach and banana help balance the acidity of the strawberries, while the almond milk adds creaminess without dairy.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

This vibrant salad combines acidic strawberries with alkaline avocado for a balanced and satisfying meal.

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. The creamy avocado and crunchy almonds complement the strawberries perfectly, creating a well-rounded flavor profile and pH balance.

The Nutritional Benefits of Strawberries

Despite their acidity, strawberries offer numerous health benefits that make them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Key Nutrients in Strawberries

• Vitamin C: One cup of strawberries provides more than 100% of the daily recommended intake
• Fiber: Helps with digestion and promotes feelings of fullness
• Folate: Important for cell function and tissue growth
• Potassium: Supports heart health and blood pressure regulation
• Antioxidants: Including anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and quercetin

How do these nutrients benefit our health? The high vitamin C content supports immune function and skin health. The fiber aids digestion and may help lower cholesterol levels. Antioxidants in strawberries have been linked to reduced inflammation and potential cancer-fighting properties.

Strawberries in Different Forms: Impact on Acidity

Strawberries can be enjoyed in various forms – fresh, frozen, dried, or cooked. Does the form affect their acidity?

Do different forms of strawberries have different pH levels? Generally, the pH of strawberries remains relatively constant regardless of their form. However, processing methods can slightly alter their acidity:

• Fresh strawberries: pH 3.0-3.5
• Frozen strawberries: Similar to fresh, pH 3.0-3.5
• Dried strawberries: May be slightly more acidic due to concentration of acids
• Cooked strawberries: Cooking can break down some acids, potentially making them slightly less acidic

It’s worth noting that while the form may not significantly change the acidity, it can affect the overall nutritional content. For example, dried strawberries may have a higher concentration of sugars and calories compared to fresh ones.

Strawberry Flavored Products: A Note on Acidity

Many people enjoy strawberry-flavored foods and beverages, but how do these compare to real strawberries in terms of acidity?

Are strawberry-flavored products as acidic as real strawberries? Not necessarily. The acidity of strawberry-flavored products can vary widely depending on their ingredients and production methods. Here are some considerations:

• Artificial flavorings: May not contribute to acidity at all
• Natural flavorings: Could contain some acids from real strawberries, but typically in small amounts
• Added citric acid: Often used to enhance flavor, potentially making the product more acidic than real strawberries
• Dairy-based products: The presence of milk can buffer acidity, making products like strawberry yogurt or ice cream less acidic overall

It’s important to read ingredient labels and consider the overall composition of strawberry-flavored products, as they may have very different nutritional and acidic properties compared to fresh strawberries.

Strawberries and Oral Health: Balancing Pleasure and Protection

While strawberries offer numerous health benefits, their acidity can potentially impact oral health. Understanding this relationship can help us enjoy strawberries while protecting our teeth.

The Impact of Strawberry Acidity on Teeth

Can strawberry acidity affect tooth enamel? Yes, the acids in strawberries can potentially erode tooth enamel over time. However, this doesn’t mean you need to avoid strawberries entirely. Here are some strategies to minimize potential dental issues:

• Rinse your mouth with water after eating strawberries
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic foods
• Eat strawberries as part of a meal rather than snacking on them throughout the day
• Use a straw when drinking strawberry smoothies to minimize contact with teeth
• Maintain good overall dental hygiene practices

Interestingly, strawberries contain malic acid, which some claim can help whiten teeth naturally. However, it’s important to note that while malic acid may have some whitening properties, the overall acidity of strawberries can still potentially harm enamel if not consumed mindfully.

Growing Strawberries: Does Soil pH Affect Fruit Acidity?

For gardening enthusiasts, understanding the relationship between soil pH and strawberry acidity can be fascinating and potentially useful.

Does the pH of soil influence strawberry acidity? While soil pH does not directly determine the acidity of the strawberry fruit, it can affect the plant’s overall health and fruit production. Strawberry plants generally prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Soil pH and Strawberry Cultivation

• Too acidic soil (below pH 5.5): Can lead to nutrient deficiencies and poor plant growth
• Too alkaline soil (above pH 6.5): May result in iron deficiency and yellowing leaves
• Optimal pH range (5.5-6.5): Promotes healthy plant growth and optimal fruit production

While adjusting soil pH won’t directly change the acidity of the strawberries themselves, it can lead to healthier plants that produce better quality fruit. Gardeners can use soil amendments like lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower pH as needed.

Strawberries in Global Cuisine: Adapting to Different Palates

Strawberries are enjoyed worldwide, but their use in cuisine varies greatly across cultures. Understanding these differences can provide inspiration for new ways to enjoy this versatile fruit.

Strawberries in Various Culinary Traditions

• European cuisine: Often featured in desserts like tarts, pavlovas, and shortcakes
• Japanese cuisine: Used in unique ways such as strawberry sushi or as a topping for savory dishes
• Middle Eastern cuisine: Incorporated into savory salads with herbs and nuts
• Latin American cuisine: Featured in aguas frescas and paletas (ice pops)

How do different cultures balance the acidity of strawberries? Many traditional recipes naturally pair strawberries with ingredients that complement or balance their acidity. For example:

• Dairy products like cream or mascarpone in European desserts
• Herbs like basil or mint in Mediterranean dishes
• Nuts and seeds in Middle Eastern salads
• Sweeteners like honey or agave in beverages

These pairings not only balance acidity but also create complex flavor profiles that highlight the best qualities of strawberries.

The Future of Strawberry Cultivation: pH Considerations

As climate change and agricultural practices evolve, the future of strawberry cultivation may bring new considerations regarding acidity and pH balance.

Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Strawberry Acidity

Could climate change affect strawberry acidity? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that changes in temperature and CO2 levels could potentially impact fruit composition, including acidity. Factors to consider include:

• Higher temperatures may lead to faster ripening, potentially affecting acid development
• Increased CO2 levels could alter plant metabolism and fruit composition
• Changes in rainfall patterns may affect soil pH and nutrient availability

Agricultural researchers are working on developing strawberry varieties that can adapt to changing climate conditions while maintaining desirable traits, including balanced acidity.

Innovative Approaches to Strawberry Cultivation

How might future cultivation methods address acidity concerns? Some potential approaches include:

• Hydroponic systems with precise pH control
• Genetic research to develop varieties with optimal acid profiles
• Precision agriculture techniques to manage soil pH and nutrient levels
• Post-harvest treatments to modify fruit acidity for specific markets

These innovations aim to produce strawberries that not only thrive in various conditions but also meet consumer preferences for taste and nutritional value.

Embracing Strawberries in a Balanced Diet

Despite their acidity, strawberries remain a nutritious and delicious fruit that can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. By understanding their pH properties and how to pair them effectively, we can enjoy strawberries while mitigating potential concerns about acidity.

Key Takeaways for Enjoying Strawberries

• Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you have acid reflux
• Pair strawberries with alkaline foods to balance overall meal acidity
• Experiment with different culinary traditions for new ways to enjoy strawberries
• Consider the impact on oral health and rinse after eating
• Appreciate the nutritional benefits, including high vitamin C and antioxidant content

By incorporating these strategies, we can continue to savor the sweet-tart flavor of strawberries while maintaining a balanced and health-conscious approach to our diets.

Are Strawberries Acidic?

Yes, strawberries are acidic. On the pH scale of 0 to 14, 7 is neutral acidity and getting closer to 0 means more acidic. The pH of strawberries is 3 to 3.5, which makes them highly acidic.

Are Strawberries Acidic?

Are Strawberries Bad for Acid Reflux?

Since strawberries are acidic, they may aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux, which happens when your stomach acid travels up your esophagus and gives you a burning sensation at the back of your throat (heartburn).

If you are already experiencing heartburn,  it’s best to stay clear from them. But if you have a serious craving for these delicious red berries and nothing else will do, we have a few suggestions for you.

How to Make Strawberries Less Acidic?

Did you know that you can make strawberries less acidic by pairing them with alkaline foods? The logic is pretty simple: let’s say you have a glass of lemon juice and a glass of water.

You can adjust the sourness of your lemon juice by adding water to it, right? Similarly, you can adjust the pH level of acidic fruits by pairing them with alkaline foods.

Luckily, strawberries can pair with a lot of foods with delicious results. You can make nutritious smoothies, salads, and other snacks with them.

Smoothies

Smoothies are easy to make, extremely satiating, and versatile! They are a great option if you need a quick, nutritious fix. Plus, they’re an excellent medium for mixing many different food groups.

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: bananas, baby spinach, strawberries, almond or coconut milk

Put all of your ingredients into your blender and blend away until you reach a smooth consistency without chunks. You can freeze your fruits before adding them to your smoothies for a thicker milkshake-like consistency.

Salads

Just like smoothies, salads offer a delicious world of opportunities. Strawberries pair well with leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, adding crunch and sweetness to salads. You can even add quinoa and chickpeas for a protein-rich and delicious meal.

Strawberry, Spinach, and Quinoa Salad

Strawberry, Spinach, and Quinoa Salad

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients: Spinach, quinoa, strawberries, almond slivers

Cook your quinoa in a small saucepan and let it rest. As it’s cooling, wash and chop all of your ingredients. Combine all of them in a large bowl and season to your taste.

Since lemon juice is quite acidic, it’s best to skip it and make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil and a dash of tahini. Top it all off with almond slivers, and you’re good to go.

Snacks

You can combine your berries with condiments and sauces to lower their pH and create excellent snacks. Crackers and whipped cream make a very balanced and filling snack that won’t be very acidic.

Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Preparation Time: 5 to 15 minutes (you may want to refrigerate for 10 minutes)

Ingredients: Whipped Cream (you can make your own or buy ready-made)

Strawberries and whipped cream make a great sweet snack. However, since regular whipping cream is not lactose-free and contains lactic acid, you may want to opt for a non-dairy whipped cream like coconut whipping cream[1] .

You can quickly make whipped cream with coconut cream. Refrigerate the cream overnight and whip it in a chilled bowl for about a minute until it reaches that smooth consistency. Serve with crackers, and enjoy the yum!

PH Levels of Foods You Can Pair With Strawberries

Here’s a rundown of a few simple ingredients you can pair with strawberries to make them less acidic.

Ingredient	pH Level	How to Pair With Strawberries?
Spinach	5.5	Can be added to smoothies and salads
Avocado	6.5	Can be added to smoothies and salads
Dates	8	Can be added to smoothies and can be paired as a snack.
Cantaloupe	Around 6. 5	Can be added to smoothies and can be paired as a snack.
Lettuce	7	A good base for a strawberry salad
Kale	7 – 7.5	Can be added to smoothies and salads
Cucumbers	Around 6	Can be added to smoothies and can be paired as a snack.
Almond Milk	6	Can be the base of a smoothie
Coconut Water	6.5	Can be the base of a smoothie
Coconut Milk	6.5 – 7	Can be made into a sauce for a snack
Papaya	Around 6	Can be added to smoothies and can be paired as a snack.
Bananas	Around 6	Can be added to smoothies and can be paired as a snack.
Almonds	6.9	Can be added to salads and can be paired as a snack.
Cauliflower	Around 7	Can be added to salads raw or cooked
Tahini	Around 6	Sauce or condiment ingredient
Quinoa	Around 7	Can be the protein base for a salad

FAQ

Are All Strawberries Acidic?

Strawberry is a versatile fruit that can be used in many ways: fresh, dried, frozen, and cooked. However, does consuming them in various forms change their acidity? No, not all. No matter how you’ll consume them, strawberries are acidic, and their pH level does not change.

Is Strawberry Flavored Food Acidic?

Strawberry yogurt and milkshakes are some of the most consumed strawberry-flavored foods. And if you’re wondering, they are mostly acidic.

Plain yogurt has a pH of 4.1 to 4.4, so strawberry yogurt will be acidic. Plain cow milk is slightly acidic; it has a pH of 6.1 to 6.9.

Combining milk with strawberries will make your drink slightly less acidic; however, a milkshake may have other ingredients that make it even more acidic, like chocolate or other fruits.

Do Different Types of Strawberries Have Different Acid Levels?

There are multiple types of strawberry plants with varying colors and leaves, but they’re generally categorized according to when they bear fruit. There are four main types of strawberries: summer-bearing, twice-bearing, ever-bearing, and wild strawberries.

Wild strawberries are considered to be more acidic as the pH of the soil they grow in is inconsistent. When strawberries are planted in a controlled environment, the pH of the soil would be somewhere between 5.4 to 6.5, which is the optimum soil pH level for this plant.

However, wild strawberries grow in their own endemic climates, and thus, their pH levels change, sometimes even between different crops.

Ever-bearing strawberries are usually grown in greenhouses, taste much sweeter, and are usually a little less acidic.

To Sum Up

Strawberries are naturally very tasty and sweet, but they’re also very acidic. If you’re experiencing acid reflux symptoms, you should be mindful of how often you consume them.

That said, you can pair strawberries with certain foods to lower their acidity. Consuming dates, coconut milk, or sprinkling some strawberries on your kale salad will help balance their acidity.

Low-Acid Fruits for Acid Reflux

Medically Reviewed

000Z”>Updated Feb 20, 2019

By

Tracy Davenport, Ph.D.

Medical ReviewerCarmen Roberts, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

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A diagnosis of acid reflux no longer means saying goodbye to all of your favorite fruits. These super foods are an important part of a healthy diet. Fruits are usually low in fat and rich in the sort of fiber that can protect against acid reflux.

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If you have acid reflux, it may be best to choose fruits that are more basic and less acidic. In chemistry, pH is a measure of how acidic or basic something is. When choosing fruits, the higher the pH, the better.

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Bananas are one of Mother Nature’s original fast foods. They are easy to digest, high in potassium, and are less acidic than many other fruits. For example, bananas come in around 5.0 on the pH scale.

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The advantages of eating coconuts are becoming more widely understood. Coconuts have been linked to some health benefits, including improving brain function and protecting against heart disease and stroke. They are one of the least acidic fruits.

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Dates and figs are also relatively low-acid. Years ago, these fruits were often served after dinner like candy because of their natural sweetness. Today, dates and figs can add sweetness to baked goods, smoothies, or granola.

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Watermelons and cantaloupes are high in vitamins and super low in calories. They’re also high on the pH scale, meaning that they’re relatively low in acid.

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Papayas are low in acid and offer a taste of the tropics. They are also packed with carotenes and vitamin C. If your grocery does not carry fresh papaya, you can usually find it cut up and frozen, or dried and packaged.

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Berries are nutritional powerhouses, with some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fresh fruit. And they can be high in Ph, too, and potentially tolerated if you have acid reflux — especially blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Tip: buy strawberries organic, because they topped the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list of most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables in 2018.

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Both nectarines and peaches are packed with essential vitamins and antioxidant properties. They’re high in Ph, too, making them potentially tolerable if you have acid reflux. Both are best bought organic if possible.

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It’s important that you slowly test which fruits work well with your unique digestive system. Acid reflux can be complicated and is usually the result of myriad of factors, not just the ingestion of one food group.

Why are strawberries sour?

Agronomist replied:

It’s hard not to agree that strawberries are probably the most beloved and popular berry. In addition to the rich and amazing taste, it also has numerous beneficial properties for our body as a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Strawberries are incredibly rich in vitamin C. According to its content, it can only compete with black currants and citrus fruits.

This berry is rich in folic acid, which it contains more than grapes and raspberries. In addition, strawberries have the most beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines, strengthen the immune system and the walls of our blood vessels.

Today, strawberries are grown on almost all continents, and South America is considered the birthplace of this wonderful berry in every sense. Dozens of its various varieties are known, and thanks to the tireless work of breeders, this list is constantly updated. I must say that strawberries are rather capricious, and even more so, they do not tolerate neglect of themselves. Therefore, in the process of growing, gardeners have to take into account many subtleties, providing the berry with caring care.

Probably, everyone was disappointed when biting into a beautiful ripe strawberry, wanting to enjoy the juicy sweetness, in fact, they met with a frankly sour and watery taste. So how do you answer the questions, “What happened? And why are some fruits sweet and others not?

Understanding the causes of this phenomenon, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the strawberry variety. There are really sour and sweet varieties, as well as sweet and sour.

The next culprit for strawberries tasting sour may be improper watering, or simply an abundance of rain during their ripening in the garden. By the way, from an excess of moisture, strawberries can turn out not only sour, but also very watery, and sometimes bitter in taste.

Sometimes there is a situation when berries of the same variety grow on the same bed, but some of them are sweet, while others are much more sour. In this case, it is likely that the bed is unevenly lit – some areas are in the sun, while others are in the shade. It is in shady places that waterlogging of the soil can be observed, and the strawberries themselves will suffer from a lack of sunlight. Based on this, strawberry plots are best located where the berries will receive at least 8 hours of sunlight, which is necessary for the ripening of sweet fruits.

The taste of strawberries will also depend on the quality of the soil. The same variety produces a sweeter taste in some soils and a sour taste in others.

Another reason for the sour taste of berries is that the bush they grew on is simply old. By the way, the fact that the berries are getting smaller also indicates this. As time passes, strawberry bushes need to be updated.

It is considered optimal to grow strawberries for no more than 5 years in the same place, if it grows longer, then what to expect from it? It is necessary to transplant the bush to new soil, or to plant new seed material.

7 tips for growing sweet strawberries.

– Check the soil. Strawberries love well-drained fertile soil that is slightly acidic. Compost enriched with sand is best. This soil composition for strawberries will allow you to grow large and sweet berries.

– Use raised beds. This provides the uniform moisture needed to produce sweet fruits.

– Check the location of your beds. Strawberries should grow where they will be able to receive sunlight for at least 8 hours. Sufficient heat and light are critical for the ripening of delicious berries.

– Provide the required space. Strawberries need a lot of space to grow. The distance between each bush should be at least 30 cm.

Closer planted bushes will produce small and sour fruits.

– Try autumn planting. If possible, plant strawberry bushes in the fall instead of the spring. This will give them time to develop a good root system. If you live in a cool climate, then make sure that the bushes are provided with good mulching. Thus, they will successfully survive the winter.

– Make sure the strawberry bushes are healthy. Another reason that berries grow sour is plant disease. Mold, rot and other problems will deplete the energy resources of the seedlings.

– Avoid fruit set on strawberries in the first year. As soon as flowers begin to appear on the mother bushes, they should be cut off. This will allow the plant to save more energy for the good development of shoots – daughter bushes. Keep about 4 shoots from each mother plant in the garden, transplant the rest. So you get more healthy strawberry bushes that can produce delicious, sweet berries

Why strawberries are sour and what to do – 3 tips – AgroXXI

Sweet, juicy strawberries have a lot of useful things from vitamin C to fiber and antioxidants. Strawberries come in different varieties and different fruiting periods, which makes it possible to maximize the season for picking berries, growing, for example, remontant varieties. But what if strawberries give sour berries? Let’s try to figure it out

Did you know that strawberries have the same acidity as grapefruit, although they taste much sweeter? The fact is that strawberry plants in the process of evolution have learned to cleverly mask their acidity in order to encourage animals to eat berries and then distribute seeds with a small amount of manure or droppings when birds peck at the crop.

Moreover, the sweetness factor comes into play only when the seed is fully ripe and ready to germinate. Up to this point, green strawberries are piercingly sour, again to deliberately scare off animals that interpret the sour taste as an unpleasant sign of spoiled or unfit food.

Then, when the seeds ripen, strawberries urgently need to hide this acidity in order to make the berry more tasty. The acid is still present, but it is literally flooded with sugars. The sugars, in turn, react with other plant molecules to create attractive red pigments that say “eat me”! In addition, natural and very strong aromatization is connected. The strength of the smell enhances the taste relationship for sweetness, making the brain think that there is a lot more sugar in the berries than there actually are.

Therefore, a sweet strawberry is a ripe strawberry, and, moreover, it must ripen in the garden, because, unlike tomatoes, it will not work to bring it to the condition on the windowsill. In regions with a cool climate and rainy summers, remontant varieties often do not have time to ripen and require insurance with non-repairable varieties.

Of course, the most important factor influencing the taste of your crop is the choice of variety. Using even the most advanced growing methods, you can sugarcoat the taste of averages, but never achieve perfection. Similarly, you can buy the world’s best tasting variety, but care for strawberries is bad, getting a dose of sourness in retaliation.

You will almost always find older varieties in the list of the sweetest strawberries. For example, the British variety Florence, which is more than 10 years old, is very popular both in Belarus and in Russia. It belongs to late-ripening varieties, the plants are frost-resistant and unpretentious, the berries taste almost perfect with a real strawberry flavor, which is so lacking in today’s samples from supermarkets. And this is understandable. The berries are quite soft in texture, which means they are not suitable for transportation. But you are going to transport them to your kitchen, not to the store.

Dutch early maturing variety Elvira – non-repairable, produces an abundant harvest of elongated berries of bright red color, with a lot of juice and a very mild non-acidic taste.

Elsanta is also a Dutch non-repairable dessert variety, already well known to Russians and officially included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. A distinctive feature of medium-sized berries is a glossy sheen after ripening. While some acidity may appear when grown outdoors, it is offset by the rich aroma and is almost non-existent.

Raise and light up

If the strawberries are not sweet from season to season, pay attention to the current soil conditions.

This crop grows best in well-drained, fertile and slightly acidic soils. In fact, plants produce bountifully and become sweeter when grown in compost-enriched sandy soil.

Planting strawberries in raised beds is also a good idea, as this (along with the right soil) provides better drainage. Raised beds are easier to care for, and you can make your own potting soil by mixing equal parts compost, coarse sand, peat moss, and perlite.

Strawberries do not tolerate weed competition and raised beds help prevent grass from entering the planting area. In this regard, mulching with pine needles will help, in addition, pine needles slightly increase the acidity of the soil, which is favorable for garden strawberries. Sometimes pine mulch is powdered with wood ash.

The location of the bed for a minimum of 8 hours of sun exposure is important. Berries will be sweet only in good light.

If there is nowhere to plant strawberries, except near trees and shrubs, take care of sanitary pruning – partial partial shade from the second half of the day is acceptable.

Do not thicken plantings. There should be at least 30 cm between plants. Overcrowded beds will provide a crop of small and sour berries. During the growing season, remove leaves with signs of disease, cut off unnecessary shoots.

If you want to ensure a strawberry harvest every year, consider keeping two separate beds – one for fruiting and one for next season’s plants.

The beds need to be “rearranged” to prevent vulnerability to disease, another cause of sour strawberries.

Fertilize

Plant strawberry plants in autumn rather than spring to give them enough time to develop a good root system.

Before planting, it is recommended to introduce rotted compost into the soil, about a bucket or two per square meter. Compost adds nutrients to the soil, improves drainage, and increases the activity of beneficial microbes, all of which benefit plants.

Do a soil test, then add a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants if necessary, eg apply elemental sulfur in the fall. Strawberries have shallow roots, so embedding 15 to 20 cm into the top layer is enough to get an ideal growing medium.

Ferrous sulfate or ammonium sulfate can also be used to acidify the soil. When adding these products, carefully follow the instructions on the package and adjust the amount according to the test results.

In the first year, if the strawberries look weak, a few weeks after planting next to the plants, NPK complex fertilizers are applied in the side furrow. Alternatively, spray Folirus Potassium Liquid Fertilizer on the leaf.

Potassium deficiency results in pale, watery, tasteless berries and leaf necrosis. Here’s what it looks like.

Photo: Brian E. Wipker.

While commercial fertilizers are adequate for the crop, there are also organic options. Of these, bone meal is preferred, a slow-release phosphorus fertilizer that works faster if steamed before application and increases the sugar content of the berries.

Homemade liquid fertilizer is prepared from nettle, chamomile or comfrey by placing the cut and washed plant material in a bucket with a loose lid for three weeks. Then you need to filter the infusion and apply either on a leaf, or simply pour into the grooves between the strawberries.