Wild strawberry

History and origin

The wild strawberry is a wild variety native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. It grows naturally in the undergrowth, clearings and along forest paths, blooming in spring before the trees capture all the light. Its fruit, formed by the fleshy receptacle of the flower, is red or whitish yellow depending on the variety, and is distinguished by its ovoid shape and its intense scent. The cultivation of wild strawberries began in the 14th century, with the planting of 12,000 strawberries in the Louvre garden.

Variety and cultivation

Wild strawberries, small and fragile, vary from red to pink depending on the variety. They are harvested by hand when fully ripe. Resistant to cold and tolerant of heat and drought, the plant prefers cool, acidic soil and sunny exposure, but fears spring frosts.

Did you know?

In Greek mythology, the handsome Adonis was loved by the goddesses Aphrodite and Persephone. This was not to the taste of Ares, Aphrodite’s lover, who sent an enormous boar on Adonis which killed him. From the blood of Adonis were born the anemones and from the tears of Aphrodite the roses. From the union of the two fluids, wild strawberries were born.