If a bowl of fresh strawberries is sprinkled with sugar a few minutes later they will be covered in juice Why?

Answer 1

This is a perfect example of diffusion (the process in which water molecules diffuse from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration). This happens because the sugar dissolves in whatever water there is around or on the strawberry. therefore, this causes the tissues in the strawberry to come out. The end result is the "juice" on the outside of the strawberry.

Answer 2

The "juice" does not come out of nowhere -- most of it comes from inside the

strawberries. What is happening is an excellent example of osmosis -- a biological

process wherein atoms, ions, and/or molecules diffuse across semi-permeable membranes

in an attempt to reach an equal concentration on both sides of the membrane. In other

words, diffusion across the membrane barrier occurs so as to make the concentrated side

more dilute.

The sugar begins to dissolve in whatever water is on or near the surface of the

strawberries. This concentrated sugar solution is then diluted by moisture diffusing

out of the strawberries and into the sugar solution. Gradually, the strawberry tissue

is depleted of water as the solution outside becomes more dilute. Depending on the

amount of sugar added and the water-content of the strawberries, the result is a very

sweet juice (syrup) surrounding the pieces of strawberry.

If you look closely at the strawberries after they have rested in the solution, you will

note that the pieces have become rather shriveled and soft because their internal

moisture has been depleted. This is most apparent in store-bought containers of

pre-sweetened frozen strawberries. Their residence time in the syrup is so long that

the strawberries are almost transformed into a formless mush.

Answer 3

It follows a process called osmosis. If you sprinkle dry sugar on the outside of strawberries, there is no water on the outside. The water inside the strawberry will begin to leave the cells until there is equal water on both sides of the cell membrane. So the strawberry juice comes out of the strawberry and mixes with the sugar and makes them "juicy" until equilibrium.

Osmosis-The diffusion of water through a membrane.

Answer 4

This would be due to osmosis. Defined as the diffusion of fluid through a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute concentration until there is an equal concentration of fluid on both sides of the membrane. The juice in the strawberry naturally moves outside it's cellular membrane to dilute the concentration of sugars outside of it. The solute in this case is the sugar.

Answer 5

Strawberries and many other fruits actually go through a process called maceration when you sprinkle sugar on them. Since fruits themselves contain a large amount of sugars, by sprinkling sugar on them you are helping to bring their own juices up to the surface. Strawberries are the best example but try this technique with lots of other fruits. Mangoes, watermelons, and raspberries are other great fruits to try.