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Are strawberries acidic? Although a strawberry might not be the first food that comes to mind when it comes to acidity, you may be wondering if strawberries are actually an acidic fruit. To answer that, we will look at a variety of foods and compare them to the pH of strawberries. We will also look into the pH of dried, fresh and frozen strawberries.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Are Strawberries Acidic or Alkaline?
- How Acidic Are Strawberries?
- Acidity in Different Types of Strawberries
- Are Strawberries More Acidic Than…
- Strawberry Acidity FAQs
- Are Strawberries Acidic? Yes!
Are Strawberries Acidic or Alkaline?
Strawberries are acidic as they can have a pH of anywhere between 3.0 and 3.5.
For reference, anything between 0 and 6.99 is considered an acid. The closer a pH comes to zero on the rating scale, the more acidic it is.
Thus, it is easy to see why strawberries would be considered acidic versus other types of fruit that are considered alkaline, such as watermelon and mango.
How Acidic Are Strawberries?
Strawberries are very acidic.
The fact that strawberries are acidic often surprises people because they don’t often associate this sweet and juicy fruit with acidity.
Nevertheless, it is true, that because strawberries have a pH of 3.0-3.5 they are considered quite acidic.
Other fruits that are also considered acidic include blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Love drizzling your berries with honey? Be careful! Honey is also considered acidic as it tends to have a pH of around 3.9!
Acidity in Different Types of Strawberries
Just as one may have questions about various nutritional foods such as, “What does kale taste like?” or, “Should I know how to wash blueberries?”, you may be curious about the amount of acid in varying kinds of fruits, including strawberries. If that’s you, then stayed tuned, because we’ve got even more answers headed your way!
Are Fresh Strawberries Acidic?
Fresh strawberries are considered acidic.
Fresh strawberries are composed mainly of citric acid, which is the most dominating of the many acids that comprise in the fruit.
Other acids in strawberries include ascorbic acid, malic acid and other forms of acid.
Because of the acid in strawberries, it is important for those who experience frequent heartburn or GERD to speak with their healthcare professional about whether or not strawberries should be implemented into their daily diet.
Are Frozen Strawberries Acidic?
Whether fresh or frozen, strawberries in nearly any form will fall into the acidic category in terms of pH.
Still, there are plenty of uses for strawberries even if they tend to be high in acid.
For example, you may wish to try blending your strawberries in milk, yogurt or cream, as these milk products have been shown to coat the stomach to prevent the normal irritating effects of acid.
Throw into your smoothie an alkaline banana or two and you may just be able to enjoy strawberries without the uncomfortable side effects of having consumed too much acid.
Are Dried Strawberries Acidic?
While there isn’t much information on the acidity of dried strawberries, chances are that the dried version of this fruit will remain acidic.
Nevertheless, there are many advantages to eating dried fruits, especially when they take the place of sugar-laden goods such as cookies and candies. And because these dried fruits are higher in natural sugars, they can easily satisfy a strong sugar craving in a more healthful and nutritious way.
Are Strawberries More Acidic Than…
Are Strawberries More Acidic Than Oranges?
Surprisingly, strawberries and oranges are close to being equally acidic!
Oranges have acidic readings between 3.69-4.34 on the pH scale. Compare that to strawberries at 3.0-3.5 and you’ll see that the are not far off. In fact, it appears that oranges might have slightly less acidity than strawberries!
Who knew?
Due to the above facts, those with sensitivities to acid must consume acidic fruit and foods on a limited basis. If you are unsure whether or not oranges or strawberries fit into your daily diet, contact your local doctor for more details.
Are Grapes or Strawberries More Acidic?
Grapes are almost equally acidic when compared to strawberries.
Grapes have a pH reading of anywhere between 3.5 and 4.5. This means their acidity is approximately as much as strawberries. Just remember that grapes come in different types, and as such, will yield different levels of acidity depending on the type of grape in question.
Are Strawberries More Acidic Than Lemons?
No, strawberries do not have greater acidity than lemons.
Though strawberries are on par with oranges and grapes in terms of acid content, lemons outdo strawberries by a long shot.
Lemons have a pH reading of anywhere between 2-3 on the pH scale. Bear in mind that 0 is the most acidic something can be. Thus, lemons are extremely acidic. If you have acid reflux disease or general sensitivities to acid, you should stay clear of them!
Strawberry Acidity FAQs
Are berries high in acid?
Yes!
In fact, most berries are extremely high in acid, although they aren’t the citrus fruits we generally associate with high acid content.
Because berries are high in acid, you may consider combining your berries with coconut milk, coconut water or coconut cream as these compounds tend to be very low in acid.
Alternative fruits you may enjoy that are considered to be alkaline include bananas, watermelon, mangoes and avocado.
Are strawberries acidic for babies?
They can be! Babies can be particularly sensitive to acids in foods.
High acid foods such as tomato sauce, citrus fruit and fruit juices are often not recommended for young babies due to acid content. Thus, it is important that you manage the amount of berries you give to your child, especially if he or she seems disgruntled after consuming a lot of them.
Remember, if you notice any rashes around your baby’s mouth, or if you notice an ongoing diaper rash that keeps reappearing, it may be your baby’s high-acid diet that is to blame.
Talk to a pediatrician for more details.
Are Strawberries Acidic? Yes!
Strawberries are sweet, delicious and pretty to look at. But those who suffer with GERD or who are particularly sensitive to acid should take caution.
Strawberries, while unassuming, contain just as much acid as oranges do. With that in mind, it may be a good idea to consume strawberries with other alkaline or alkaline-forming foods including yogurts, milks, cottage cheese, bananas or coconuts. Avoid giving strawberries or berries of any type to babies in large amounts.