Strawberries are the first fruits that ripen every year, especially during spring and have been very popular for many centuries. As far back as the Roman era, strawberries were believed to contain medicinal properties that cure kidney stones, fevers, and fainting.
It is employed in making shortcakes, trifles, muffins, and many other types of food.
But do you know that this non-citrus and delicate fruit has a fascinating history and little-known facts? The following are ten interesting things you never knew about strawberries:
Strawberries are not really berries – Strawberries – in botanical terms – are fleshy non-citrus fruits which develop from a single ovary. Examples of berries include blueberries, tomatoes, etc. In addition to that, the seeds of real berries grow on the inside, but strawberry seeds can be seen on the outside of the fruit.
Strawberries are Medicinal – Strawberries contain lots of nutrients which makes it highly therapeutic. They are a very rich source of potassium which helps in controlling blood pressure and combats stroke. Strawberries also provide a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which brings down cholesterol levels in the human body. These nutrients also help in maintaining a healthy heart, minimize the risk of developing certain types of cancer and also boost the memory.
No one really knows how the edible fruit came by the name ‘strawberry’ – No one really knows why they are called ‘strawberries.’ However, it may not be unconnected to the fact that before getting plucked, strawberries hang low and appear to be strewn along the farm ground. Farmers have to devise a means to keep them fresh; hence these farmers transport the delicate fruits to the nearby markets after packing them in straws. Thus, the name ‘strawberry’ stuck.
Strawberries are the only fruits with seeds on its exocarp – Strawberries belong to the Rosaceae flowering plant family, which technically means that they belong to the rose family. They are the only fruits with visible seeds on their exocarps, i.e. the outer layer of the fruit wall.
Over 90 percent of fresh strawberries grown in the U.S. come from California – California is the breeding area of strawberries, and this is attributed to its perennial strawberry growing season. It is a proven fact that over four hundred family farmers cultivate roughly 40,000 acres of land in Orange County – and all the way to Monterey Bay – to produce the non-citrus fruits.
Strawberries contain lots of Vitamin C – When you eat eight strawberries, you have consumed more vitamin C than you can find in one orange fruit. Strawberries also contain about 50 calories of sugar and are an excellent source of folate and fiber.
Eating strawberries delays aging – A recent study has revealed that eating strawberries, at least twice every week, can have significant effects when it comes to delaying aging. The study showed that regular consumption of strawberries slowed down the aging process by up to 2½ years.
Strawberries are highly recommended superfoods for people with diabetes – Strawberries are one of the highly recommended superfoods for people with diabetes, as indicated by the American Diabetes Association. Berries in general – with more focus placed on strawberries – should be included in a diabetes meal plan as a result of their low glycemic index.
Strawberries are the first fruits to mature in the spring – Strawberries are the first fruits to reach maturity in the spring, though peak season runs from April to June.
Belgium has a museum dedicated to strawberries – A town called Wépion is considered the strawberry capital of Belgium. It is a charming little town with a beautiful combination of excellent soil quality and microclimate which make strawberries to flourish easily. Wépion is famous for its strawberries to such an extent that a museum has been erected and dedicated to these berries. The museum, known as Musée de la Fraise showcases everything from strawberry jam and syrups to candies and beer.
