WHAT IS A STRAWBERRY?
Ironically this weed of the fruit kingdom is not technically a berry. But avocados are, go figure. The current strawberry varietal most popular today was bred in the 1700s in France. This garden version is the hybrid product of a North American and Chilean strawberry. It can grow up to 2 inches in length. Though much like with wine grapes, crowding too many of these fruits on 1 vine means less resources for each a.k.a. smaller strawberries. Ironically despite having up to 200 seeds on each fruit, this plant propagates by “running” away from you.
WHY ARE STRAWBERRIES GOOD FOR YOU?
They are rich in vitamin C, manganese and sexual metaphors.
WHEN ARE STRAWBERRIES IN SEASON?
Warmer climates like California and Florida account for most of the U.S.A. crop. So they are a January through April harvest up north. Down south in places like Australia they’re grown year round.
HOW SHOULD STRAWBERRIES BE STORED?
They do not ripen after being picked so don’t bother bagging them. You want to keep your strawberries dry to prevent mold. Wrap them up in a paper towel and refrigerate. They’ll keep for under a week. Before eating always wash them thoroughly to remove any chemicals or pesticides.
HOW DID STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM BECOME THE SYMBOL FOR ENGLISH TENNIS?
While Wimbledon didn’t start until the late 1800s, the theory is that 300 years earlier the godfather of English tennis, Thomas Wolsey, served strawberries and cream to spectators. Today over 50,000 lbs (28,000 kg.) of this fruit are consumed each year during the first 2 weeks of July.