Grow wild strawberries at home. Immune-boosting superfruits you can harvest on your balcony

Wild strawberries are low-calorie fruits packed with many essential nutrients. They're rich in vitamins C, A, and K, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Moreover, they are an excellent source of fiber.

1. Immune System Booster

With a high vitamin C content, wild strawberries strengthen the immune system, aiding in fighting infections and speeding up wound healing. Vitamin C also contributes to collagen synthesis, a protein that helps keep the skin firm.

2. Antioxidant Activity

Wild strawberries are loaded with anthocyanins, which function to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals in our bodies. Consuming wild strawberries regularly can hence slow down aging and potentially prevent chronic diseases.

3. Heart Health Improvement

The abundance of anthocyanins in wild strawberries positively impacts heart health. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can help lower the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol, a principal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

4. Digestive System Support

The high fiber content in wild strawberries promotes a healthy digestive system by improving intestinal motions and assisting in toxin elimination from the body.

5. Blood Sugar Level Regulation

Wild strawberries have a low glycemic index despite their sweet taste and may lower blood sugar levels. For this reason, they're recommended for diabetics.

Wild strawberries prefer moderate climates. They thrive in full sun but can also tolerate light semi-shade. The soil for wild strawberries should be well-drained, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic (with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5).

It is best to plant wild strawberries in early spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Seedlings should be planted at intervals of about 12-16 inches, at a depth sufficient to cover the roots with soil, but not to bury the plant up to the leaves. Seedlings should be watered generously after being planted.

While wild strawberries start bearing fruit in the second year after planting, they reach their full potential in their third year of cultivation.