15/07/2023
Beyond Sweetness: The Surprising Historical Significance of Strawberries
Strawberries have a natural habitat in both the northern and southern hemispheres, thriving in diverse environments such as seaside areas, woodlands, and even mountain tops. The mention of strawberries can be traced back to ancient times, with the earliest literary description dating back to 1000AD. The first recorded sketch of a strawberry plant appeared in 1484. The Roman Senator Cato made references to strawberries between 234-149 BC in his writings. These early mentions primarily focused on the plant's medicinal properties rather than its culinary appeal.
Interestingly, in the 12th Century, Saint Hildegard Von Binger, an abbess, propagated the belief that strawberries were unsuitable for consumption due to their proximity to the ground. It was believed that the fruit could be contaminated by snakes and toads. This theory gained support from local political figures, leading to a decline in the fruit's popularity. However, Charles Linnaeus dispelled this superstition by including strawberries in his own diet, putting to rest the notion of their supposed impurity.
The commercial sale of strawberries in London began around 1831, most likely sourced from nearby fields and woodlands rather than dedicated production areas. As the popularity of strawberries grew in England and mainland Europe, it became common for both commoners and aristocrats to cultivate their own strawberry patches. France emerged as a leading producer of strawberries during this time.
The word "strawberry" itself is unique to the English language and has several possible origins. Straw was often used as mulch to protect the plants during winter and to keep the berries clean by controlling weeds and soil conditions. In London, children would collect the berries, string them on pieces of straw, and sell them as "Straws of Berries" in the markets. The runners produced by the plants were described as being "strewn" or dispersed around the plant. In some literature, the fruit was referred to as "strewberry." In Latin, the fruit is known as "Fragra" or Fragrant, which led Charles Linnaeus to assign the species name "Fragaria" to the strawberry. In French, Italian, and Spanish, the fruit is referred to as "Fraise," emphasizing its fragrant nature. The Narragansett Indians of North America called it "wuttahimneash" or "heart berry."
Strawberries found their way to Europe through the explorations of Cartier and Harriot. Cartier brought strawberries back to France from Quebec, Canada, during his first voyage in 1534, while Harriot introduced plant specimens from Virginia to London. Additionally, strawberry plants from Chile and Peru, cultivated and marketed even before the arrival of the Spanish, were brought to Europe. The native North American strawberry plants surpassed European varieties in terms of size, flavor, and beauty. It wasn't until 1697 that detailed accounts of strawberry production, including optimal soil conditions and pest management, were written by the gardener at Versailles. In the 18th Century, the first breeding crosses were made to improve strawberry varieties. A Virginia variety known for its flavor and productivity was crossed with a Chilean variety, resulting in offspring with both size and firmness. This particular variety became known as the Pineapple or Pine strawberry due to its distinctive flavor.
In 1780, "Hudson" became the first strawberry hybrid developed in the USA. Later, in 1843, strawberry growers in Cincinnati, Ohio, pioneered the use of refrigeration by placing ice on top of strawberry boxes during shipping. This innovation expanded marketing opportunities and further fueled the fruit's popularity.
