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