strawberries

A member of the Rosaceae (Rose) family, the botanical name of strawberries is Frugaria, which in Latin means 'fragrance.' Origins of the common name include the reference to 'straw' used in mulching the plants. Children in London collected the berries, strung them on pieces of straw and sold them in the markets as "Straws of Berries." The French, Italian, and Spanish word for the fruit is "Fraise" or fragrant berry. Narragansett Indians in North America called the fruit "wuttahimneash" or "heart berry."
Some of the earliest accounts of strawberries came from ancient Rome circa 200 BC. The first sketch of a strawberry plant was printed in 1484. Early publications spoke of medicinal uses for strawberries, not as edible fruit.Strawberries are native to both the northern and southern hemispheres. They are grown in every state in the US, every province in Canada, all over Europe, Australia and even in Iran. They can grow by the sea, in the woods, and on mountain tops
The average strawberry has about 200 seeds. Strawberry seeds are all those little bumpy spots on the surface of the berry.

Alaska Strawberries: A 19th century American euphemism for 'dried beans'.

All strawberries are picked, sorted and packed by hand in the field. The trays of strawberries are then rushed to shipping facilities where they are cooled to about 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
A tray normally contains 12 one-pint baskets.
Within 24 hours of harvest, the strawberries are loaded on refrigerated trucks for delivery
Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C. In fact, 8 strawberries have more vitamin C than an orange. Strawberries have only 50 calories per serving and no cholesterol or saturated fats. Eight strawberries also provide 20 percent of the suggested daily amount of folic acid.

Strawberry TAles:
. In provincial France, strawberries were regarded as an aphrodisiac of the highest quality. Newlyweds traditionally were served a soup of thinned sour cream, strawberries, borage (a European herb whose flavor is reminiscent of cucumber) and powdered sugar.

The second wife of Henry the VIII, Queen Anne Boelyn (1507-36), had a strawberry-shaped birthmark on her neck. Unfortunately, some claimed this fact proved she was a witch.

The strawberry is recognized as representing absolute perfection in the Victorian language of flowers.

Medieval stonemasons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals, symbolizing perfection and righteousness. During the same time period, strawberries were served at important state occasions and festivals to ensure peace and prosperity.

Sacred to the both Goddess of Love and the Virgin Mary, strawberries boast a long, dramatic history.

Ever eaten a double strawberry? Legend holds that if you break it in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you will soon fall in love with each other.

The Strawberry Crew
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