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Science Fair“Save Those Strawberries!”
Purpose/Problem Statement The purpose of this project is to discover which way of
storing strawberries works the best. The reason I
chose this project is because,with the economy,
everyone is trying to save money. Wether it is on gas,
groceries, or even strawberries. So I wanted to find the
best way to keep your strawberries fresh over a three
day period, so that I can share my results everyone
can use them.
Hypothesis
If the life of strawberries that were boiled
stay fresh longer, then people will have a
way to prolong the life of fresh fruit.
4
Review of Literature
• During the summer I always look forward to a
nice big bowl of strawberries by the pool. But when I go
to eat them, they are covered in mold! You’ll probably
think to yourself, how did this happen? In this year’s
science fair I will investigate and experiment on which
way to store strawberries works the best. I will have to
choose the temperatures and time of the environment to
see, in which one, the strawberries will stay the most
fresh.
4
5
Review of Literature
• The process, in which strawberries mold, is caused by a
fungi called Boytris Cinerea, also known as Gray Mold.
Basically, this fungus sleeps on the strawberry and when
humidity or moister is applied to the fungus it forms as a
yucky looking mold. Gray Mold is always in the
environment and usually effects the dead or decaying
part of the berry. Sometimes it even starts on the dead
leaves.
6
Review of Literature
• When you are growing strawberries Gray Mold usually
forms on the part of the berry that touches the soil or
dirt. Boytris Cinerea can be found in greenhouses as
well as very wet or humid fields. When first taking site of
the mold it appears as light brown and is located in a
soft spot. When the strawberries are placed in moist or
humid weather the mold will spread and eventually cover
the entire berry. Next, the fruit will dry out and is no
longer soft and fuzzy, it is now firm and the color is
black. 6
7
Review of Literature
• These days families all around the country are always
trying to save money. Especially on fruits and
vegetables. It’s very important to help keep these fruits
fresh so that families can save more money. Some ways
to prevent this is to put the strawberries in a cool dry
environment and pull of any dead leaves. Also if you put
them in a container toss out any dead or decayed
berries.
8
Review of Literature
• So, now you know why your strawberries get moldy,
some facts about the fungus that causes it and some
ways to prevent it, you can enjoy your strawberries. The
results of my experiment may reveal more ways to
extend the life of strawberries and prevent or eliminate
gray mold from occurring.
8
Research • Strawberries are a great source of vitamins. They are
loaded with Vitamin C, fiber, folate, and
antioxidants.When choosing which strawberries to buy
in the store, pick those that are medium-sized, firm,
deep red, with green caps attached. Once picked,
strawberries do not ripen, so never purchase them if
unripe.
Strawberries should be washed right before eating to
remove dirt and fertilizers. Hold them under cool water
and gently rub them. Do not use soap and do not scrub
them.Strawberries should be eaten within a day or two
after purchase.
Research
• Strawberries are grown in areas of North America with
warm climates. California grows over 1 billion pounds or
83% of America's strawberries.
• Strawberries should be eaten within a day or two after
purchase. Store them in the refrigerator or they can be
frozen for up to a year. Remove any spoiled or crushed
strawberries since they can cause cause the other fruit
to spoil. Store them in the refrigerator or they can be
frozen for up to a year. Remove any spoiled or crushed
strawberries since they can cause cause the other fruit
to spoil.
Materials
• Pot and Stove that can heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
• Thermometer • Pencil• Plastic containers with lids• Camera• Research notebook for observations and notes• Black Sharpie to label the boxes• Stopwatch
Procedure1. Place approximately three strawberries in each container.
2. Put the lid on box #1.
3. Boil water in pot until 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Place three strawberries in and let them sit for 45 seconds then take them out and put them in box #2.
5. Place three more strawberries in the pot for 3 minutes then put them in box #3
6. Boil water in pot until 140 degrees fahrenheit.
7. Place three strawberries in the pot for 45 seconds then place in box #4.
8. Put all boxes next to each other and let sit for three days.
Variables
• Dependent Variable: How rotted
would the strawberries become.
• Independent Variable: The
temperature and amount of time.
• Constant: The time the strawberries
were left out and the type of
strawberries.
Graphs/Charts/PicturesWater Temp.
Time Results
Box 1 none none Decayed 3rd
Box 2 120 F 45 sec. Still Fresh
Box 3 120 F 3 min. Decayed 2nd
Box 4 140 F 45 sec. Decayed 1st
15
Box 1 Day 1
16
Box 1 Day 3
17
Box 2 Day 1
18
Box 2 Day 3
19
Box 3 Day 1
20
Box 3 Day 3
21
Box 4 Day 1
22
Box 4 Day 3
22
23
Analysis
• Since Box number 4 (higher temperature water) rotted
the most and box number 2 stayed fresh, submerging
them in water for no hotter than 120 degrees and no
longer than 45 seconds produces the freshest
strawberries. When you submerge strawberries in water
for 140 degrees for 45 seconds it completely rots your
strawberries. In matter of fact you would be better off not
doing anything to the berries.
24
Conclusion• After my research and experimenting were completed, I
have concluded that when you boil strawberries at the
temperature 120 degrees fahrenheit and let them sit for
approximately 45 seconds the strawberries result
looking fresh and firm. When leaving sit for three days
with no treatment the strawberries rot slightly.
25
References•Sturgill,Sarah, and Kim Carter. “Strawberries.” West Virginia University, May 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2011. http://www.ext.wvu.edu/r/download/65954
•“The Vegetarian Produce Storage Guide | Storing Fruits and Vegetables.” Vegetarian Times - Great Food, Good Health, Smart Living. 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2011 http://www.vegetarintimes.com/resources/produce_storage_guide/
•Harris,Linda. “Strawberries: Safe Methods to store, preserve, and enjoy.” University of California at Davis, 2007. Web. 13 Oct. 2011. http://www.ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8256.pdf