Strawberries are one of the most popular spring and summer treats worldwide. The red stamens grow across the globe both wild and cultivated. Try some new recipes or grow your own patch of strawberries.
A rose by any other name might be called a strawberry. Well, perhaps not. But, strawberries are in the rose family. Instead of creating a “hip” which contains the seed of the plant encased and protected, the strawberry swells with the seeds on the outside in a reverse seed pod (or “hip” of sorts). Strawberries are the only plants known to seed on the outside of the pod.
The strawberry is not really a berry or a fruit. The part cultivated and consumed is the enlarged end of the plant stamen (stamen are the male reproductive organs of the plant). These luscious treats might best be thought of as “California oysters,” since California is the top producer of the macho red stamens. Florida ranks second in terms of commercial production. All states in the U.S. claim strawberry crops with various wild and cultivated varieties sprinkled from coast to coast.
A rule of thumb is that the smaller berries (generally wild) are the sweetest. Larger berries tend to be firmer and easier to pack and ship. Most strawberries purchased will be the larger, commercial berries that pack more bang for the berry as far as size. Taste varies from patch to patch and year to year.
History of the Strawberry
Wild strawberries date back at least 2000 years, and commercial berries are traced back at least to the mid-1800s. Over the years, strawberries have been crossbred to fit various climates and to extend growing seasons. Though there are numerous commercial varieties, berries fit in the following categories:
June bearing – The bulk of strawberries are in the early spring category. They bloom and fruit in May/June. These tend to be the sweetest of the fruiting strawberries.
Ever bearing – Ever bearing have two distinct seasons—one larger crop in spring and a second later in the year. These berries extend the consumption season.
Day-Neutral – Some of the newest varieties produce throughout the growing season. Taste is compromised to some extent to maintain production, but day-neutrals ensure a constant supply.
Regardless of the type, strawberries tend to fruit out in spurts. This means feast or famine when it comes to strawberries, unless imports are used to flesh out the local produce. Larger cities may carry fresh strawberries during the bulk of the year especially in temperate climate zones; however, most town groceries will offer strawberries in the spring and sporadically during the growing seasons.
When faced with a good availability of strawberries and after eating as many fresh berries as humanly possible, most consumers begin to look for different ways to serve and enjoy strawberries.
Recipes
Here are some quick options for using fresh berries:
Quick Strawberry Shortcake – Buy the formed shortcake cakes at the grocery store. Put one half cup of sugar to one cup of berries in the refrigerator overnight. The berries will begin to break down and make syrup. Pour over shortcake right before serving and put a dab of whipped cream on top.
Strawberries and Ice Cream – Cut strawberries and sprinkle sugar over berries. Place in refrigerator for an hour or two. Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry/Spinach Salad – Wash and break up one pound of spinach. Add one pint of fresh strawberries (cut in bite sized pieces). Pour ¾ cup of poppy seed dressing over salad. Toss and serve.
Quick Strawberry Pie – Brown one deep dish pie crust. Fill with strawberries cut up in small chunks. Boil one cup sugar, one cup water and 3 T. corn starch until the consistency of thin pudding. Pour over berries in pie crust. Serve warm or chill and eat later.
Strawberry Dip – In a blender, put 3 oz. cream cheese, 8 oz. plain yogurt, 2 T. sugar and ½ cup fresh strawberries. Blend until smooth. Dip large fresh strawberries (or other fruits) in the fluffy mixture.
Strawberry Face Mask – Crush one cup of strawberries. Lightly spread on face. Leave for 5 minutes. Wash face. The fruit acids and vitamin C will give skin a healthy glow.
To extend the strawberry treat season, try the following recipes:
Frozen strawberries – Rinse and dry berries. Place berries on a cookie sheet and put in freezer until frozen (about an hour). Bag the berries and use later over cereal or ice cream or in recipes. Strawberries will keep about 10 months when frozen.
Strawberry Jam – Cover 2 cups of strawberry pieces with 1 ½ cups sugar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Add 2 tsp. pectin (Sure-Jell) and stir. Microwave in large bowl for 4 minutes on high and 6 minutes on medium. Pour in clean jars. Store in refrigerator.
Strawberries are one of the most popular (non)berries on the market. They are tasty and healthful (containing more vitamin C than citrus fruits). Strawberries can be grown in almost any climate though tend to prefer cool weather. If you have a small, well-drained space of ground, plant a small patch and enjoy your own berries fresh from the garden.
To grow strawberries:
1. Check the local nurseries for availability dates of strawberry plants. They are usually available in late April or early May and typically are sold bare root as little slips. Local plants will be selected to match the area weather and will be easiest to grow. Online suppliers provide more variety.
2. Till the soil and add amendments as suggested by the local garden shop. Compost and aged manure are beneficial. Alfalfa meal or vegetable food fertilizer are typically recommended. Soil of pH 5.3 to 6.5 is ideal though berries will tolerate some variance. Home pH testing kits are available, and most Cooperative Extension Services will professionally test soil on request.
3. Plant in rows about a foot apart. The crown should be at or slightly above ground level with roots below ground. Be sure to dig the root hole deep enough so that the roots are not bunched to the sides. Lightly hilling the planting row is recommended though not critical if the soil drains well.
4. Weed around plants on a regular basis or cover area between rows and around plants with a barrier. Competition from weeds or tree roots will result in smaller, inferior strawberries.
5. To ensure bigger berries, prune off runners as they appear. To increase the size of the patch, allow runners to form, clip runners and replant new runner plants year to year. The runner plants tend to produce smaller berries but can be used successfully to flesh out a patch.
6. Cover lightly with straw to protect plants and to prevent weeds from taking over the patch at the end of the season. The straw both helps as far as keeping the plants warm and also in reducing weed growth.
7. Remove straw the following spring for the next crop.
Strawberry plants generally produce three to four years. Though commercial growers plant strawberries as annuals, they are perennial plants and can be used multiple seasons in the home garden. The plants are attractive with pretty white flowers and then bright red berries, so they can be mingled with flowers or planted traditionally in a vegetable garden.