Today Special : National Strawberry Day
National Strawberry Day falls on February 27 every year, adding an extra aphrodisiac to this month of love. Devilishly sweet, and also delightfully low in calories, they’re the perfect food to make you feel naughty and nice at the same time. Grown both around the U.S. and around the world almost year-round, you’re never far from a supplier of this tasty tongue-tickler to help you celebrate National Strawberry Day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.
However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants, and the garden strawberry we know today was born.
In the early 19th century, love for strawberries spread quickly when strawberries and cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that they could be transported quickly all around the country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.
The berry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “streawberige” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that they’re so called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that the berries were sold on straw skewers at markets.
The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Its heart-shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY ACTIVITIES
- Harvest your own Strawberries : If you’ve thought ahead, you’ll have planted your strawberry seeds last April and now the plants will be bearing their delicious red fruit. So you only need to pluck them off the stalks and feast on nature’s bounty.
- Try Strawberry Carving : Put your creativity to the test and try carving strawberries to impress your friends. With a little dexterity, you can sculpt them into roses in honor of their plant family.
- Listen to Some Strawberry Songs : There are many great songs featuring this delicious fruit, from ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ by The Beatles to Coldplay’s ‘Strawberry Swing.’ Why not make a playlist as a musical backdrop to the day?
5 FACTS ABOUT STRAWBERRIES THAT MAKE THEM EVEN SWEETER
- They were a Roman remedy : The Ancient Romans believed the fruit had medicinal purposes and prescribed them for minor ailments like sore throats, as well as more serious problems like a fever and long-term issues like depression.
- They’re not like any other fruit : The Strawberry is not technically considered a berry as its seeds are on the outside (around 200 of them) — in fact, it’s the only fruit with external seeds, giving it its own special category.
- Each one is unique : Strawberries’ flavor can be very variable, and this is because they’re influenced by a variety of factors, including type, the weather, and the time of harvest.
- They’re part of a floral family : The tasty fruit is a member of the rose family, which explains its fragrant scent and bright color.
- They’re great for your love life : The magnesium, potassium, and folate found in strawberries mean they encourage a healthy libido and makes this romantic fruit an aphrodisiac for many.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
- It means spring has sprung : The Strawberry is the first fruit to ripen in the spring. So when the first strawberries appear, it’s a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way and you can taste a new season in the air.
- You can support local farmers : Strawberries are so versatile that they are grown in every single U.S. state and Canadian province. That means wherever you are, you can celebrate with a punnet of local produce.
- Strawberries encourage healthy hearts : Strawberries are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease and even certain cancers thanks to their vitamins, fiber, potassium, and acids. So eating them can give short-term pleasure as well as long-term results.
