Strawberry

History and origin

Since prehistoric times, man has consumed wild strawberries (Fragaria Vesca). The strawberry plant began to be cultivated in European gardens in the 14th century. In the 16th century, Jacques Cartier introduced the Virginia strawberry (Fragaria Virginiana) into France, appreciated for its fragrance, which spread to Brittany and England. Two centuries later, a chance hybridization with Chilean strawberries gave rise to Fragaria Ananassa, the origin of modern strawberries. England will lead the varietal selection and dominate the European market, rivaling Plougastel in France.

Variety and cultivation

The strawberry, technically a false fruit, bears its true fruits, the achenes, on its surface. There are a multitude of varieties of strawberries, ranging from the small wild strawberry, very aromatic, to the large garden strawberry, juicy and sweet. Growing strawberries requires attention, rich soil and a temperate climate. Picking remains manual in all cases.

Did you know?

1000 years BCE, the Romans grew strawberries in their gardens for their fragrance. The term strawberry comes from the Latin Fragaria, which means fragrance. It was therefore its perfume which was in fashion, long before its taste.