Abstract
Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry) roots and vegetative parts are commonly used in infusions and decoctions for different medicinal purposes. The composition in non-nutrients (mainly phenolic compounds) has previously been reported, but the contribution in nutritional compounds has not been researched. Therefore, chemical parameters with nutritional role, namely macronutrients, mineral components, some vitamins (ascorbic acid, folate and tocopherols), as well as, fatty acids, soluble sugars and organic acids, present in F. vesca roots and vegetative parts were evaluated using commercial and wild samples. Furthermore, their infusions and decoctions were also fully characterized; as well as the percentages of vitamins and minerals released for the aqueous preparations. The processing steps, the collection region and also the physiological state in which the samples were collected could influence the differences found between commercial and wild samples. The infusion and decoction preparations showed significantly high released percentages of folate and minerals, and also allowed the detection of xylose, proving to be more effective for soluble sugars extraction. Roots and vegetative parts of F. vesca, normally consumed as infusions and decoctions, can be sources of macro and micronutrients.
Highlights
Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae), commonly known as wild strawberry, grows spontaneously in low mountain zones such as forests, slopes and roadsides
The highest total soluble sugars content was observed in wild roots sample (20.66 g/100 g), mainly due to the presence of sucrose (13.53 g/100 g), which was present in high concentration in the wild vegetative parts of F. vesca (1.76 g/100 g)
Saturated fatty acids (SFA) are present in high concentrations followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in all samples
Summary
Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae), commonly known as wild strawberry, grows spontaneously in low mountain zones such as forests, slopes and roadsides. Samples and preparation of infusions and decoctions The commercial samples of Fragaria vesca L. vegetative parts and roots were purchased separately in a local supermarket.
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