ENGLISH NAME: Wild Strawberry
LATIN NAME: Fragaria vesca
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Lesní jahoda
Turkey: Yabani çilek
Bulgaria: Дива ягода (Diva yagoda)
Georgia: ტყის მარწყვი (tkis marts’qvi)
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Czechia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: All regions of Georgia
Elevation: From lowlands up to subalpine meadows
Terrain: Meadows and woodland edges; also found in clearings, hillsides, and open forests
DESCRIPTION:
Wild Strawberry is a diminutive perennial herb with trifoliate leaves, each leaflet exhibiting toothed edges and a vibrant green hue, sometimes tinged red. In spring to early summer, it produces delicate white, five-petaled flowers with yellow centers. It spreads via stolons (runners) that root at nodes. The most notable feature is its small, sweet, and aromatic berries (red or occasionally yellow) about 1 cm in diameter.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves, roots, berries
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
- Astringent: Leaves and roots help tighten tissues, historically used for diarrhea and minor bleeding.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Compounds in leaves (such as tannins) may reduce inflammation, helpful for skin or gut issues.
- Diuretic: Leaves traditionally used to increase urine production, supporting kidney and urinary tract health.
- Antioxidant: Berries are rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals, supporting overall wellness and protecting against oxidative stress.
- Vitamin Content: Berries are a good source of vitamin C, boosting immunity and supporting skin health.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience itching, swelling, hives, or rarely, difficulty breathing.
- Oxalates: Contains oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
- Stomach Upset: Overconsumption, especially of berries, can cause mild stomach upset.
- Pesticide Residues: Wild foraged berries may carry environmental pollutants; harvest from clean areas.
PREPARATION:
- Tea Infusion (Leaves or Flowers): Use 1–2 tsp dried leaves/flowers (2–4 tsp fresh) per cup of hot water. Steep for 5–10 min, strain, and drink.
- Tincture (Leaves or Roots): Chop fresh leaves or roots, cover with alcohol (vodka or brandy) in a glass jar, steep in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain and use in small, diluted doses.
HARVEST TIME:
- Leaves and flowers: Spring to early summer
- Berries: Late spring to early summer
- Roots: Fall or late autumn
HARVEST METHOD:
- Leaves and Flowers: Use clean scissors or pruners; cut in a way that allows plant to regrow.
- Roots: Carefully dig with a trowel, disturbing as little soil as possible and leaving part of the root system for regrowth.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
- Berries: Consume fresh, refrigerate unwashed for short-term, or freeze in a single layer and transfer to containers for long-term storage.
- Leaves/Flowers: Air-dry upside down in a dry, ventilated area away from sun, then store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
- Roots: Clean, air-dry, and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.