The History of Strawberries

The name strawberry is believed to have been derived from the name strewn berry. Berries that are strewn among the leaves of the plants were known as strewn berries in the olden days. When time passed by, the term strewn berry gradually came to be pronounced as strawberry by the people. It also says that the name "straw" berry comes from the practice of the farmers making mulching over the plants of strawberries by using straw.

 

Strawberries belong to the Rosaceae family. The typical strawberries that we use today belong to the genus Fragaria. The name fragaria (odorous) indicates the nature of the perfumed flesh of strawberries. It says Madam Tallien, a great figure during the French revolution used to take bath using strawberries to keep her skin radiant, smooth and free of blemishes. Fontenelle, a centenarian writer of the 18th century gave all credit for his long life to his habit of eating fresh strawberries every day. Ironically the same strawberries were considered as poisonous in Argentina till the mid of nineteenth century.

 

Strawberry, against the belief of many of us, is not a fruit but on the other hand an enlarged receptacle of the flower of the plant. Strawberries have a history of more than 2200 years. Wild strawberry plants were found in various parts of Italy as long ago as in 234 BC. The first time these wild strawberries were discovered by some Europeans when their ship landed in the shores of Virginia in 1588. History says that early settlers in Massachusetts were very much fond of the strawberries grown by the local American Indians who started strawberry cultivation as early as 1643. After 1860 strawberries were grown in many parts of the country on a large scale.

 

The history of strawberry cultivation in California begins from the year 1900. Now it has become the largest supplier of quality strawberries that satisfies almost eighty percent of the strawberry requirements of the nation. Almost 25000 acres in different parts of California is now utilized for the purpose of strawberry cultivation.

 

Strawberries that were originally grown in northern parts of Europe were also found in different parts of Russia, Chile and United States. Strawberries are also thought to have been cultivated in ancient Rome in large scale for medicinal purposes. During the 13th century, France also cultivated strawberries for its medicinal purpose. The roots, fruits and leaves of Alpine strawberry were widely used in these countries to make medicine that were used to cure digestive problems and skin diseases. Berry was used internally to cure diarrhea. Its leaves and roots were used for gout. Over the years strawberries were used for treating skin rashes, sun burn, discoloration of teeth and digestive disorders. In 13th century, strawberry was widely used as an aphrodisiac.

 

During the medieval period strawberry was considered as a symbol of prosperity and richness, peace and perfection in the society. And for this reason strawberries were served lavishly while conducting various events under state control.