For the Love of Strawberries
and a little history...
Tashi
4/28/20253 min read
My love for strawberries goes back to the 80s when my mom got me a strawberry shortcake sheet set for my bed. I liked Rainbow Brite, Pucci, Herself the Elf, Care Bears, and more but Strawberry Shortcake remained supreme. Her and all her friends and pets. I even begged her to buy the cereals which later turned out to be such a disappointment.
Now for the last couple of years, I have spotted a popular revival of strawberries. From a lunch kits to a blanket. There are such a sweet looking little fruit. Here are some sweet finds and a little history on this berry that is not a berry.
Sweet finds...
A little history...
Strawberries have a rich history, starting with their wild cultivation in ancient Rome and later becoming a popular fruit in Europe and North America. They've been used medicinally, as symbols in art and literature, and even in bathwater by Madame Tallien. Today, strawberries are a beloved fruit, enjoyed fresh, in baked goods, and as a popular ingredient in various dishes.
Strawberries have delighted people for centuries, not just for their sweetness but also for their symbolism and surprising uses throughout history. Their journey through time is as colorful as the berries themselves.
In ancient Rome, strawberries were prized not only for their flavor but also for their healing properties. Romans believed strawberries could cure ailments like fainting spells and even depression, making them an essential part of early herbal medicine.
During medieval Europe, strawberries took on a deeper symbolic meaning. They frequently appeared in illuminated manuscripts, representing the Holy Trinity or the purity of the Virgin Mary. The fruit was so cherished that it became a favorite treat of royalty, often served at grand feasts.
By the 17th century, strawberry cultivation had become more sophisticated. In 1697, the gardener at the Palace of Versailles penned the first detailed records on growing strawberries, including advice on soil preparation and pest control — early steps toward modern farming.
Strawberries even made their way into the works of William Shakespeare. In Elizabethan England, they were a popular summertime treat, often enjoyed with wine and a sprinkle of sugar, as noted in historical accounts.
Across the Atlantic, Native American tribes were already incorporating strawberries into their cuisine. They mixed crushed strawberries with cornmeal to create a type of strawberry bread, a tradition that inspired early settlers to invent the beloved strawberry shortcake.
The strawberry as we know it today — Fragaria × ananassa — is a result of early breeding efforts, combining varieties from Chile and Virginia to create the plump, juicy fruits we enjoy now.
Throughout history, strawberries have symbolized more than just good taste. In medieval celebrations, they represented prosperity, peace, and love, often served at important ceremonies.
And as for the name "strawberry"? There are a couple of theories. Some believe it comes from the practice of threading the berries onto straw for easy transport, while others suggest it refers to the straw laid around the plants to protect the fruit — a detail highlighted by researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
From ancient medicine to royal feasts, from Native American kitchens to modern-day shortcakes, strawberries have always been a little more magical than they first appear — a symbol of sweetness, love, and tradition across cultures and centuries.
