We love strawberries.

5 interesting facts about the fruit of the month.

The strawberry isn’t just our fruit of the month; it’s the undisputed superstar among fruits. Strawberries used to be the harbinger of spring but nowadays are available all year round. They can be used in a variety of ways, the scope of application widening by the day. That’s reason enough for us to investigate the health benefits of this favorite among the summer fruits as well as its history and evolution.

“Nature’s candy”, as the strawberry is occasionally called, can be a significant contribution to a balanced diet. It contains vitamin C, potassium and folic acid among others, and is said to even whiten your teeth. The strawberry is also low in calories and was labeled a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association. (Link: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/diabetes-superfoods.html).

5 historical facts about the crimson fruit

• In ancient Rome, the strawberry was believed to have healing properties and was prescribed as a medicine for sore throat, fever and even as an anti-depressant.
• In the Middle Ages, strawberries were a popular dish served during official peace talks – they were eaten while sitting at the table during negotiations.
• In Amsterdam, a new type of strawberry appeared in 1750. The Dutch called it „Pineapple Strawberry“ due to its distinctive taste.
• American natives worked the fruit into their corn bread to create a unique delicacy.
• In France, strawberries have always been appreciated for their alleged aphrodisiac qualities.

Today, people get more and more creative with strawberries: there are unlimited recipes and ways to incorporate them into dishes, not even pickling, the fermenting in brine of vegetables or fruit, has escaped the lure of the strawberry.