Strawberries are a summertime favorite, but there’s much more to these juicy fruits than their sweet taste.
Here are 15 surprising and strange facts about strawberries that will make you appreciate them even more.
1. Strawberries Aren’t Berries—Wait, What?
Strawberries have been living a lie. They’re not real berries! Botanically, they’re “aggregate accessory fruits.” True berries, like blueberries, have seeds inside, but strawberries flaunt theirs on the outside like some sort of fruit rebel.
So, next time you toss them in your smoothie, remember, you’re technically blending up a wannabe berry.
2. Seeds on the Outside
Strawberries decided to be the one fruit that doesn’t play by the rules, putting their seeds on the outside. And those “seeds”? They’re actually tiny fruits called achenes, each containing a single seed inside. It’s like each strawberry is a mini-fruit salad waiting to happen.
3. There’s A Fear Of Strawberries
Yes, there’s a legit phobia of strawberries called fragariaphobia. People with this fear might get the sweats just thinking about these sweet little fruits. Imagine being terrified of strawberry shortcake—sounds like a dessert disaster.
4. Symbol of Love
Move over, roses. In medieval times, sharing a double strawberry was the OG way to say “I love you.” It was believed that splitting a twin strawberry with someone meant you were destined to fall head over heels for each other.
Next time you’re on a date, maybe skip the flowers and go straight for the strawberries.
5. Ancient Rome’s Go-To Cure-All
The ancient Romans were convinced that strawberries could cure pretty much anything—fevers, bad breath, depression. It’s like they were the original superfood, minus the Instagram smoothie bowls. If only a strawberry a day really kept the doctor away!
6. There Are Strawberry Festivals
Across the U.S., strawberries are such a big deal that they have their own festivals. These celebrations are filled with strawberry-themed everything—from pies to parades. It’s basically a berry lover’s dream come true.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to crown a Strawberry Queen?
7. The Strawberry Juice Bath Craze
Madame Tallien, a socialite from Napoleon’s court, took her love of strawberries to the next level by bathing in strawberry juice. She used around 22 pounds of strawberries per bath! Imagine the smell—and the sticky cleanup afterward.
Talk about a beauty routine that’s both fruity and extravagant.
8. World’s Largest Strawberry
In 1983, a strawberry grew so large it weighed in at 8.82 ounces. That’s like holding an apple-sized strawberry in your hand! Grown in Fort Valley, Georgia, this monster berry could have fed a whole family—or made the most epic strawberry shortcake.
9. Strawberries Are Vitamin C Powerhouses
Forget oranges—strawberries have them beat when it comes to vitamin C. Just eight of these juicy delights pack more vitamin C than an entire orange. So, if you’re looking to boost your immune system, maybe it’s time to swap out the OJ for some strawberries.
10. Bavaria’s Strawberry Elves
In Bavaria, people hang baskets of wild strawberries on cattle horns as a gift to elves. Yep, elves. It’s said to ensure healthy calves and a bountiful supply of milk. Who knew strawberries had the magical power to keep cows happy?
11. Strawberries in Medieval Motif
In medieval times, stone masons carved strawberry designs into altars and church pillars. Why? Because strawberries symbolized perfection and righteousness. These fruits were literally set in stone as the embodiment of virtue.
12. A Museum for Strawberries? Of Course!
Belgium is so obsessed with strawberries that they have an entire museum dedicated to them. Here, you can learn everything from how strawberries are grown to their cultural significance. Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend a day learning about the history of their favorite fruit?
13. First Fruit of Spring
Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in spring, making them the season’s sweet little ambassadors. When strawberries hit the market, you know warmer days are ahead. So, go ahead and celebrate spring’s arrival with a bowl full of these ruby-red gems.
14. California’s Dominance
California isn’t just about beaches and Hollywood. It’s also the top producer of strawberries in the U.S., responsible for about 80% of the nation’s supply. That means if you’re eating strawberries in America, there’s a good chance they’ve come from the Golden State.
15. The Rainbow of Strawberries
Sure, we all know strawberries as red, but did you know they also come in white, yellow, and even purple? There are over 103 species of strawberries, and they’re just as diverse as they are delicious. So, next time you pick up a pint, keep an eye out for a berry that’s a little more out of the ordinary.
From their unusual classification to their cultural significance, strawberries are much more than just a sweet treat.
Share these fun strawberry facts with friends, and enjoy your next bowl of berries with a new appreciation for this fascinating fruit!