© By Deborah S. Tukua
www.hollycreekbooks.com

Berry in the Straw, Berry in the Hay. Isn’t that how the song goes? No! Well it should, I thought, after learning a little bit about the strawberry and how it’s been grown through the ages.

Strawberries are in season now. So, pick up a pint, enjoy these juicy sweet rubies and learn a few intriguing facts about strawberries.

–Strawberries are grown in every state in the U.S.
–Strawberries are also grown all over Europe, in every province of Canada, in Iran and Australia.
–Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in spring.
–Strawberries have about 200 seeds and are the only fruit with its seeds on the outside.
–Strawberries are members of the rose family. Its botanical name is Frugaria, which means, ‘fragrance’. The first syllable of its common name comes from the fact that ‘straw’ was commonly used as mulch around this plant.
–Ancient records reveal that the strawberry was grown in Rome dating back to 200 B.C.
–94% of households in the U.S. eat strawberries.
–Americans consume an average of 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year plus nearly another 2 pounds of frozen strawberries.
–Cincinnati, Ohio growers were the first to ship fresh, chilled strawberries in 1843 by placing ice on top of boxes containing the berries.
–A low-cal treat, 8 medium strawberries only add up to around 50 calories.
–Strawberries contain beneficial amounts of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber and block cancer causing substances as well as retro-viruses and herpes viruses.
–To retain the Vitamin C in fresh strawberries, do not wash or cut off the caps until ready to eat.

How wonderful it is that strawberries, so good for you, tastes so sweet too!
Don’t miss the recent strawberry growing blog and Strawberry Shortcake Waffle recipe here at the Farmfeed Barn Blogs, also by freelance writer and country author, Deborah Tukua. Don’t forget to do a little shopping. Picnic baskets, perfect for toting strawberries and all your healthy fruits and veggies are in at the FATV shop. Look them over!

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