Is it possible to gather rhubarb stalks until Jun 24th?
Strawberries are popping out three weeks ahead of schedule due to the warm climate. According to an age-old agricultural tradition, should one not munch on them past the 24th of June? Is this still valid for this season? And what's the connection to the oxalic acid levels?
Strawberries, a delightful addition to any garden, produce edible stems, which are technically classified as vegetables, from March and April. Garden enthusiasts and experts agree that the last picking day should be on the 24th of June. The agricultural institution also confirms this. However, this year, strawberries are flourishing in various places up to three weeks ahead of schedule due to the warm weather. What does this signify for the picking period and consumption?
The agricultural tradition that strawberries shouldn't be picked or consumed after the 24th of June relates to the oxalic acid in the fruit. This compound, which also exists in lemons and apples, can be harmful in high amounts. After St. John's Day, the oxalic acid levels in strawberries increase, making it potentially hazardous for some.
Even if strawberries ripen earlier than usual this year, the 24th of June remains significant as a benchmark for the end of picking. This is because St. John's Day acts as a reference point. This ensures that the oxalic acid levels during regular consumption don't result in harm. The tradition takes into account different ripening stages and weather conditions.
Oxalic Acid and Kidney Issues
Oxalic acid hinders calcium absorption in the body and can lead to kidney stones. This is particularly problematic for people with weak kidneys or a higher risk of kidney disorders. Therefore, the advice is to pick strawberries at an appropriate time. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the older the strawberry stems are, the tougher they become.
Moreover, there's another reason why one should not pick strawberries after the 24th of June. If one wants to pick strawberries the following year as well, one has to grant the plant sufficient resting phase. Only then can it rejuvenate for the next year.
Oxalic acid is found in numerous plants, but it's particularly abundant in strawberries. Oxalic acid isn't poisonous, but excessive amounts can lead to health issues. The acid forms an insoluble compound with calcium, calcium oxalate. This means that oxalic acid deprives the body of crucial calcium and replaces it with undesirable calcium oxalate. This can lead to calcium deficiency and kidney stones. Furthermore, it can aggravate the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. For people with existing kidney problems or a tendency toward kidney stones, oxalic acid is particularly problematic. This group of people should not only shun large amounts but also strawberries picked after the 24th of June.
A Medicinal Plant from Asia
Strawberries, a medicinal plant that originated in Asia, belong botanically to the buckwheat family and are regarded as a nutritious vegetable. Besides vital minerals like potassium and phosphorus, strawberries contain rich amounts of Vitamin C and dietary fiber, which are beneficial for digestion.
The leaves should not be eaten, as they contain particularly high amounts of oxalic acid. The red stems have less oxalic acid than the green ones, and the content decreases further when heated and cooked.
Strawberries taste particularly well in conjunction with milk-rich dishes like vanilla sauce or yogurt. The oxalic acid binds with the calcium in the milk and is then no longer absorbed. Strawberries should always be peeled, blanched or cooked to reduce the oxalic acid content. Discard the cooking or blanching water afterward, as it contains the acid. Adding a pinch of baking powder or pure sodium bicarbonate when cooking strawberries also mellows their flavor, as it neutralizes the oxalic acid and other fruit acids.
Incidentally: Strawberry stems should only be pulled out during harvesting. A knife should only be used to remove the leaves.
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Given the discussion about strawberries, their ripening periods, and the oxalic acid levels, here are two sentences that incorporate the words 'Vegetables', 'Botany', 'Question & Answer', and 'Nutrition':
- In the realm of botany, strawberries, classified as a type of vegetable, provide vital nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamin C.
- To answer the question of whether vegetable consumption should be limited based on nutritional concerns, we need to consider factors like oxalic acid levels, particularly in strawberries, which can be high, but can also be reduced through cooking.
