My Wild Strawberry Picking Adventure
Summer is here, and that means one thing - it's time to go to the forest for strawberries! In Estonia, wild strawberries can be picked only once a year, during the last week of June. This year, the weather conditions have been particularly favorable, and the forests and field edges are full of these red delicacies.
First Day - Discovery and Joy
I took a 2.7-liter bucket and headed to the forest. What a surprise it was when I found the forest floor near home already full of red strawberries! I eagerly started picking right away.
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a true superfruit. This small berry is packed with vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin C. It's also rich in iron and calcium, surpassing even cultivated strawberries in nutrient content.
Second Day - Back to the Forest
After the success of the first day, I couldn't resist going back. The next day, I headed to the forest again. In two and a half hours, my bucket was full once more. This time, I decided to freeze the harvest for winter supplies.
Third Day - The Final Push
Although my back was already feeling the effects of bending over the previous days, I couldn't resist the temptation to go to the forest one more time. And again, I managed to bring home 2.7 liters of wild strawberries!
Why Wild Strawberries Are So Special
Wild strawberry is one of Estonia's most valuable berry plants. These bright red berries contain:
- 3.6–6.4% sugars
- 1.4% acids (mainly citric acid)
- Abundant calcium and iron
- Vitamin C (on average 51 mg per 100 g)
- Essential oils, pectin, and tannins
Wild strawberries can be enjoyed both fresh and in preserves. They're also valued as a medicinal plant.
Summary
In three days, I managed to pick over 8 liters of wild strawberries. Although it required effort and battling hordes of insects, it was worth the trouble. My family highly appreciates these natural treats that we can enjoy only once a year.
If you have the opportunity, I warmly recommend going to the forest and picking these vitamin-rich berries. It's a great way to spend time in nature and stock up on healthy treats!
