Strawberry

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are a bright red, delicious and refreshing fruit beloved by humans and some small animals like squirrels and birds (who don’t know any better). Often confused with raspberries (but let’s be honest, who would make such a rookie mistake?), strawberries are a juicy and versatile fruit that can be used in many culinary applications, such as cakes, smoothies, salads, and as a convenient and acceptable way to make oneself appear more intellectual by casually offering one’s friends to share their dessert.

Origins

The origins of the strawberry are a bit of a mystery, but many believe they were first cultivated in 18th century France, when a bored and hungry aristocrat decided to crossbreed two species of plants solely for the amusement of it. The result was the fragrant, sweet and juicy berry that we know today. And France being France, they of course immediately elevated the strawberry to the status of haute cuisine, putting them in everything from sauces to salads to Napoleon’s favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake.

Cultural Significance

In addition to its delicious taste and versatility, the strawberry has also become a cultural icon, representing love, sensuality, and summer itself. You may have even heard the term “strawberry fields forever,” likely referring to the euphoric feeling of frolicking through a field of the sweet fruit. And of course, who could forget the iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally where Meg Ryan, ahem, “fakes it” in a diner while enjoying a slice of strawberry pie? Truly, no other fruit is as erotically charged as the strawberry.

Fun Facts

• Strawberries are not actually berries! They’re technically “aggregate accessory fruits,” which means that the fleshy part of the fruit comes from the flower’s receptacle (the part that holds the flower).
• The average strawberry has around 200 seeds, which makes us feel a little better about all the time we wasted as kids trying to count them.
• Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which can help ward off scurvy, a potentially deadly disease that was a major problem for seafarers in the olden days (no one tell Captain Jack Sparrow).
• There’s a whole fields worth of varieties of strawberries, from the big, juicy “California” variety to the smaller, more compact “Alpine” berries. And let’s not forget the “marbled strawberry,” a rare and exotic variety that can only be found in the gardens maintained by eccentric millionaires.

In conclusion, while it may not be a true berry, the strawberry is a fruit that deserves all the attention it gets. From its origins in France to its leading role in our favorite rom-coms, the strawberry will forever hold a special place in our hearts and on top of our cakes. May we all envision a world where every day is a strawberry shortcake day.