Quick Answer
Yes, the green parts of strawberries, known as the calyx or stems, are completely edible and nutritious. While some find the texture unpleasant, the calyx contains beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Removing the stems also reduces the strawberries’ shelf life. So it’s best to eat strawberries whole with the stems on.
What Is the Green Part on Strawberries?
The green parts on the tip of strawberries are called the calyx or the stem. The calyx is the remnant of the flower that was pollinated to produce the strawberry fruit. It consists of leafy greensepals that supported the flower’s petals. Once the flower is fertilized, the petals drop off and the sepals remain attached to the growing strawberry.
Anatomy of a Strawberry
A strawberry has three main edible parts:
- Fruit (or receptacle): The red, fleshy part that is formed from the enlarged flower receptacle once the flower is pollinated.
- Seeds (or achenes): The tiny yellow seeds embedded on the surface of the fleshy fruit.
- Calyx (or stem): The green leaves at the top of the fruit attached to the strawberry stem. These are modified sepals that supported the flower petals.
The key structures of the strawberry flower are:
- Sepals – Green leafy parts that protect the flower before it opens.
- Petals – White/pink parts that attract pollinators.
- Stamens – Male reproductive parts.
- Pistils – Female reproductive parts.
- Receptacle – Base of the flower that enlarges into fruit after fertilization.
Once pollinated, the receptacle swells and ripens into the fleshy red strawberry fruit. The sepals transform into the green calyx on top.
Are the Green Bits on Strawberries Edible?
Yes, the green parts, stems, caps or calyx on strawberries are completely edible.
While some find the texture of raw strawberry calyx unpleasant or fibrous, the green parts are nutritious and safe to eat.
The calyx contains beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants, including the photochemicals quercetin and kaempferol.
These compounds have been linked to health benefits such as:
- Lowering inflammation
- Reducing cancer cell growth
- Improving heart health
- Protecting brain function
So it can be very nutritious to eat the whole strawberry.
Benefits of Eating the Strawberry Stems
Here are some of the top benefits of consuming the green caps or stems of strawberries:
- More fiber – The calyx provides extra fiber for improved digestion.
- Higher antioxidant content – Up to 20% of the antioxidants are found in the leaves and stems.
- Nutrients – They contain beneficial plant compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, and anthocyanins.
- Potential anticancer effects – Test tube studies show extracts from the calyx may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Preserves strawberries – Leaving the stems on helps extend the shelf life of fresh strawberries.
So while some may dislike the chewy texture, the calyx provides extra nutrition and health benefits.
Does Removing the Stems Reduce Nutrition?
Removing the green caps or stems from strawberries does lead to some loss of nutrients.
Research shows that the calyx and stems contain significant levels of some beneficial plant nutrients.
According to a 2019 study in the Journal of Food Bioactives, the strawberry calyx has:
- Higher phenolic content than the fruit
- 20% of the vitamin C content of the fruit
- 20% of the anthocyanins of the whole berry
- Higher levels of quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids
So when the green parts are removed, some nutritional value is lost. Up to 20% of the total antioxidants are found in the calyx rather than the fleshy fruit part.
Over time, breeding strawberries to have bigger caps or stems could increase levels of beneficial phytochemicals.
Shelf Life and Storage
Another reason to leave strawberry stems on is that it extends the berries’ shelf life and freshness.
The calyx functions as a protective cap, keeping the fruit intact and helping retain moisture content. So intact berries with green caps will last longer than stemmed ones.
One study found strawberries with intact caps stored 13% longer than fruit with calyxes removed.
Properly stored with stems, fresh strawberries will typically last around 5-7 days refrigerated. But stemless berries may deteriorate faster.
How to Eat Strawberries with Stems
While the calyx and stems are edible, some find their fibrous texture unappealing. Here are some ways to eat strawberries whole with their green parts:
- Blend into smoothies – Blending raw strawberries with stems eliminates any textural issues.
- Cook into jams/preserves – Cooking diminishes the toughness.
- Slice thinly – Thin slices minimize the chewiness.
- Infuse into water/drinks – Steep whole berries in water to impart flavor and nutrients.
- Make tea – Dried strawberry calyx can be used as an herbal tea.
- Use in desserts – Bake into muffins, cakes or other items where texture isn’t an issue.
With some creativity, you can find ways to consume the whole strawberry and get all of its nutrients. But you can also simply remove the parts you don’t want to eat.
Can You Eat Strawberry Leaves?
Along with the green caps or stems, the leaves of the strawberry plant are also edible.
Strawberry leaves contain beneficial plant compounds, including:
- Flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, catechins
- Tannins
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Iodine
These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects based on studies on strawberry leaf extracts.
The leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or sandwiches. They are also sometimes dried and steeped as an herbal tea.
However,picking too many leaves can damage strawberry plants, so moderation is key.
Risks or Dangers
For most people, eating the whole strawberry fruit along with the stem, leaves or calyx is completely safe.
However, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:
Pesticide Residue
The calyx may contain higher amounts of pesticide residue compared to the fleshy part. Washing well can help remove any lingering chemicals.
Opting for organic strawberries when possible is another way to minimize exposure to toxic pesticides.
Allergies
Those with strawberry allergies may react to the stems and leaves as well as the fruit. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis are possible.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safety
Not much research exists on the safety profile of strawberry leaves during pregnancy. High intake may potentially cause issues.
Breastfeeding moms should also exercise caution and consult their doctor, as compounds from the leaves could pass to the infant through milk.
Medication Interactions
Large amounts of strawberry leaf tea could interact with blood thinners like warfarin or NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen. It’s best to avoid overconsumption.
Fragaria Moschata
One species of strawberry plants, known as Fragaria moschata or Musk strawberry, has toxic calyxes. These should not be eaten.
But common garden strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa) are safe.
Conclusion
The green parts on strawberries, known as the calyx, stems or caps, are edible and provide nutritional benefits.
While some may not enjoy the texture, the whole berry can be safely consumed. Leaving the calyx intact also helps preserve freshness.
With creative use in recipes or by blending, you can gain the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory advantages of eating the entire strawberry fruit.
Just be cautious about pesticide exposure. And those with strawberry allergies or certain medication use should consult a healthcare provider first.
Otherwise, the strawberry calyx, along with the leaves, offer healthy plant compounds that support well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat the green part on strawberries?
Yes, the green caps, stems, or calyx on strawberries are edible and contain beneficial plant nutrients and antioxidants. While some may not like the chewy texture, they can be safely consumed.
What are the white dots on strawberries?
The white dots on the surface of strawberries are seeds, also known as achenes. These small, hard seeds contain plant embryos that enable strawberries to reproduce through seed dispersal.
Do strawberries continue to ripen after picking?
No, strawberries do not ripen or get any sweeter after being picked from the plant. They should be harvested when fully red ripe. Off the plant, they will not further ripen but only soften and deteriorate.
Should strawberries be refrigerated?
Yes, for best quality and to prevent mold growth, strawberries should be stored in the refrigerator. The optimal temperature is around 32°F. With the caps on, fresh strawberries can last 5-7 days refrigerated.
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, strawberries are safe for dogs to eat in moderation as an occasional treat. Veterinarians recommend only introducing small amounts at first to check for allergies. Stems and leaves should be removed. Frozen strawberries can also be given.
