Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure
6.24.
Map of countries producing berries. (Mapped from FAO data at FAOSTAT at
http:
//
faostat.fao.org
/
default.aspx.)
United States, and in the preparation of both pies and other pastries, such as tarts
and donuts.
6.7.7 History
Berries are usually restricted by their soil and climate requirements. Thus, areas where
they are commonly grown in large quantities are considered to be their place of origin.
This would be particularly true of blueberries and cranberries but is less true for straw-
berries and blackberries, which are grown under a wider range of environmental con-
ditions. Strawberries are grown on all continents and are a high value crop.
Strawberries
Although wild strawberries are harvested in some places, the modern cultivated
strawberry is a hybrid of northeastern North America and the Chilean Andes straw-
berries, which were first crossed in a greenhouse in France. (Personal communi-
cation, Malcolm Manners, Horticulture Department Florida Southern College.)
6.7.8 Nutritional Value
Blueberries, cranberries, grapes, and raspberries have a relatively high level of
carbohydrates while the remaining berries have moderate levels (Fig. 6.25). Both
blackberries and cranberries have relatively high levels of fiber while the remainder
of the berries have lower levels. All the berries have low protein and fat contents.
Mulberries have the highest level of vitamin C while blackberries and raspberries
