# Fragaria × ananassa (Albion) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/fragaria-ananassa **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** Albion strawberry, Albion cultivar, Fragaria ananassa Albion, Albion everbearing strawberry, Patented Albion strawberry ## Overview Fragaria × ananassa 'Albion' is a day-neutral strawberry cultivar developed at UC Davis, notable for its elevated anthocyanin and ellagic acid content relative to many commercial varieties. These polyphenolic compounds act as free-radical scavengers and may modulate NF-κB [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling, though cultivar-specific human clinical data remain absent. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented - cultivar-specific human trials are absent • Contains [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds including phenols and anthocyanins (based on compositional analysis only) • Provides vitamin C (53.42 mg/100g) from fresh berry analysis • General strawberry research exists on cardiometabolic effects but not specific to Albion cultivar • All benefits are theoretical based on phytochemical content, not clinical evidence ## Mechanism of Action Anthocyanins in Albion strawberries, primarily pelargonidin-3-glucoside, neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and inhibit pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) NF-κB pathway activation by suppressing IκB kinase phosphorylation. Ellagic acid undergoes gut microbial conversion to urolithins, which modulate mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin signaling and may inhibit aromatase enzyme activity. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase enzymes essential to collagen biosynthesis and supports endogenous [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) regeneration. ## Clinical Summary No randomized controlled trials have been conducted specifically on Fragaria × ananassa 'Albion' as a supplement or dietary intervention in human subjects. General strawberry research — not cultivar-specific — includes a study of 60 overweight adults (Basu et al., 2010) showing freeze-dried strawberry powder reduced [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by approximately 5% over 12 weeks. Compositional analyses confirm Albion's phenolic profile, but extrapolating these general findings directly to Albion requires caution given cultivar-to-cultivar variation in polyphenol concentrations. Current evidence is preclinical and observational; cultivar-specific efficacy claims are unsupported. ## Nutritional Profile Fragaria × ananassa 'Albion' is a day-neutral strawberry cultivar with compositional data derived primarily from fresh berry analysis. Macronutrients per 100g fresh weight: carbohydrates ~7.7g (including natural sugars ~4.9g, predominantly fructose and glucose), dietary fiber ~2.0g, protein ~0.67g, fat ~0.3g, water content ~90-91g, energy ~32 kcal. Micronutrients: vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 53.42 mg/100g — notably higher than USDA average strawberry values (~58.8mg) suggesting cultivar-specific elevation; folate ~24 µg/100g; potassium ~153 mg/100g; calcium ~16 mg/100g; phosphorus ~24 mg/100g; magnesium ~13 mg/100g; manganese ~0.386 mg/100g. Bioactive compounds: total phenolic content reported at approximately 200-350 mg gallic acid equivalents/100g fresh weight in Albion-specific studies; anthocyanins (pelargonidin-3-glucoside as dominant fraction, ~15-30 mg/100g fresh weight); ellagic acid and ellagitannins (agrimoniin, sanguiin H-6) present at ~10-20 mg/100g; quercetin glycosides and kaempferol derivatives at trace-to-minor levels; fisetin reported at low concentrations (~0.16 mg/100g). Albion is characterized by relatively high soluble solid content (Brix ~9-11°) and firm texture, which influences phenolic concentration compared to softer cultivars. Bioavailability notes: vitamin C absorption is high from whole fruit matrix (~80-90% bioavailability); anthocyanin bioavailability is low (~1-5% systemic absorption) but colonic metabolites extend biological reach; ellagitannins require gut microbiota conversion to urolithins for meaningful systemic activity, which is highly individual-dependent. Fiber content supports modest glycemic blunting effect on natural sugars present. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosages exist for Albion strawberry in any form (extract, powder, or standardized). The cultivar is consumed as fresh berries without evidence-based dosing protocols for biomedical use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Albion strawberries are generally recognized as safe when consumed as whole fruit, with allergic reactions being the most documented adverse event, typically mediated by Fra a 1 allergen cross-reactive with birch pollen. Individuals on warfarin should be aware that high vitamin K content in large strawberry quantities could theoretically affect INR, though strawberries are low in vitamin K compared to leafy greens. Oxalate content in strawberries may be relevant for individuals with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, who are often advised to moderate intake. No pregnancy contraindications exist for normal dietary amounts, though concentrated extracts or supplements have not been evaluated in pregnant populations. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Fragaria × ananassa (Albion) were identified, with no PMIDs found in PubMed searches. Available research focuses exclusively on agronomic quality and compositional analyses of phenols, anthocyanins, and other compounds, not clinical outcomes. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented for Albion strawberry, as it is a modern hybrid developed and patented post-2000s in California. The cultivar postdates traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and TCM, which could not have utilized this recent breeding achievement. ## Synergistic Combinations Vitamin C, quercetin, ellagic acid, other berry polyphenols, citrus bioflavonoids ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much vitamin C does an Albion strawberry contain? Fresh Albion strawberries have been measured at approximately 53.42 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, which represents roughly 59% of the adult daily recommended intake in a standard serving. This positions Albion competitively among commercial strawberry cultivars, though vitamin C content varies with ripeness, storage duration, and growing conditions. ### What antioxidants are found in Albion strawberries? Albion strawberries contain pelargonidin-3-glucoside as the dominant anthocyanin, alongside ellagic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives such as p-coumaric acid. These compounds contribute to measurable ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) values in compositional studies, though in vitro antioxidant assays do not directly predict in vivo biological activity in humans. ### Is Albion strawberry available as a supplement or extract? Albion strawberry is not widely marketed as a standalone named-cultivar supplement; most commercial strawberry extracts are derived from non-specified Fragaria × ananassa varieties or freeze-dried whole berry powders without cultivar identification. If seeking polyphenol standardization, look for products specifying ellagic acid or anthocyanin content by percentage rather than cultivar name, as the supply chain rarely guarantees Albion sourcing. ### Can Albion strawberries help with inflammation? Preclinical cell and animal studies on strawberry anthocyanins, particularly pelargonidin-3-glucoside, show inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity and suppression of NF-κB transcription factor, both central to inflammatory cascades. However, no human clinical trials have tested Albion strawberries specifically for inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP or IL-6, so direct anti-inflammatory claims for this cultivar in humans are not currently evidence-based. ### Are Albion strawberries safe for people with strawberry allergies? People with confirmed strawberry allergy, often driven by the Fra a 1 protein that cross-reacts with birch pollen Bet v 1, should avoid Albion strawberries as all Fragaria × ananassa cultivars express this allergen. Symptoms range from oral allergy syndrome — localized tingling and swelling — to, in rare cases, systemic anaphylaxis; individuals with known allergy should consult an allergist before any exposure. ### How does Albion strawberry compare to other strawberry cultivars in terms of nutritional content? Albion strawberries are a day-neutral cultivar bred for consistent year-round production, but cultivar-specific nutritional comparisons in published research are limited. While Albion contains measurable vitamin C (53.42 mg/100g) and anthocyanins similar to other strawberry varieties, direct head-to-head analyses between Albion and other cultivars like Camarosa or Monterey are rarely documented in peer-reviewed literature. The nutritional profile of any strawberry cultivar can vary significantly based on growing conditions, ripeness, and soil composition rather than genetics alone. ### Is there clinical evidence that Albion strawberries offer specific health benefits? Currently, there are no clinical trials or human studies conducted specifically on Albion strawberry cultivars, despite general strawberry research suggesting potential cardiometabolic benefits from the species. Any health claims about Albion strawberries remain theoretical and are based on compositional analysis of phytochemicals rather than clinical outcomes. Consumers should not rely on Albion strawberries as a therapeutic intervention without consulting healthcare providers, as cultivar-specific efficacy has not been established. ### What factors affect the antioxidant levels in fresh Albion strawberries? Antioxidant content in Albion strawberries, including phenols and anthocyanins, is influenced by growing conditions such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, water management, and harvest ripeness rather than genetics alone. Storage time and temperature also significantly degrade antioxidant compounds after harvest, meaning fresh-picked Albion berries will have higher antioxidant levels than those stored for extended periods. Freeze-drying or extract processing may alter the bioavailability and concentration of these compounds compared to fresh consumption. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*