Science Fair

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Science FairSave Those Strawberries!
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• 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.
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• 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.
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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!
  Youll probably think to yourself, how did this
  happen? In this years 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.

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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.

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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.

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Review of Literature

• These days families all around the country are
  always trying to save money. Especially on fruits
  and vegetables. Its 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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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

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Procedure

• 1. 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.

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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.

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Graphs/Charts/Pictures
Water 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
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Box 1 Day 1
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Box 1 Day 3
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Box 2 Day 1
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Box 2 Day 3
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Box 3 Day 1
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Box 3 Day 3
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Box 4 Day 1
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Box 4 Day 3
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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.

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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.

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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