Strawberries, the traditional fruit of Wimbledon, were on sale in shops months before the start of the tournament.

Their sweet, succulent taste makes them as much as a pudding as ice cream while also being a healthy option.

A bowl of strawberries is one portion of the recommended five daily portions of fruit and vegetables.

It will provide 1g of fibre and 20 micrograms of folate which is one of the B vitamins.

Strawberries have only 0.1g of fat per 100g (a small amount of fat is considered to be 3g per 100g) and are low in calories with about 27kcal per 100g or 113kj per 100g.

The fruit, a member of the rose family, also contains more vitamin C than citrus fruit, providing 77mg per 100g.

Strawberries are highly perishable which means they should be eaten on the same day so they will not have the chance to lose their goodness.

Choose unbruised strawberries with the caps on because when the caps are taken off an enzyme is activated which destroys the vitamin C.

They also contain calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A.

They also have antioxidents such as antioxident ellagic which can stop tumour growth in certain parts of the body.

A US study found strawberries reduce the effects of carcinogens in tobacco smoke.

Strawberries are also used as a herbal remedy to help digestive complaints, diarrhoea, gout, arthritis, rheumatism and bad toes. The leaves are made into a tea.

The fruit is tasty eaten on its own but it is a less healthy dessert when eaten with cream. As an alternative, try natural bio-yogurt, Greek yogurt or natural fromage fraise. If you have a sweet tooth, instead of cane sugar try natural fruit sugar such as Fruisana.

Strawberries are associated with love and romance and are regarded as an aphrodisiac.

In parts of France newly-weds used to be served a soup of thin soured cream, strawberries, a herb called borage and powered sugar.

Legend says if a person breaks a double strawberry in half and shares it with a member of the opposite sex they will fall in love.

London nutritionist Patrick Holford found eating strawberries and raspberries increased sex drive.

The fruits had high levels of zinc in their seeds which, unlike most fruits, were eaten rather than removed.

Zinc governs testosterone which is needed for sperm production while a woman's body prepares itself for sex more quickly if zinc levels are high.

Dr Holford said the antioxidents help optimise the blood flow to sex organs and the fruits have the lowest glycaemic load of any, which means they provide sustained energy levels at only a few calories.

If you are buying strawberries from the supermarket or greengrocers look for the British farm standard red tractor logo.