Weird Facts You Need to Know About Strawberries

International Strawberry Day is a celebration of one of the world’s most beloved fruits. Known for its deep red color, sweet flavor, and heart-like shape, the strawberry is more than just a tasty treat. We’ve rounded up some of the weirdest and most fascinating facts about strawberries that you probably didn’t know.

1. Strawberries Aren’t Actually Berries

Despite their name, strawberries aren’t true berries from a botanical standpoint. True berries, like blueberries and bananas, have seeds and pulp that originate from a single ovary of a flower. Strawberries, on the other hand, develop from a flower with multiple ovaries, making them an “aggregate fruit.” The tiny seeds on the outside are actually individual fruits!

2. They’re the Only Fruit with Seeds on the Outside

Strawberries are the only fruit that wears their seeds on the outside. Each strawberry has an average of 200 seeds, which are technically called "achenes." These tiny specks also qualify strawberries as aggregate fruits rather than true berries.

3. They’re a Member of the Rose Family

Strawberries belong to the Rosaceae family, making them relatives of roses, apples, and cherries. The next time you bite into a strawberry, you’re enjoying a cousin of the fragrant roses in your garden.

4. They Were Once Considered a Luxury

In 14th-century France, strawberries were so rare and sought-after that they were grown exclusively in royal gardens. Kings and queens enjoyed this fruit as a delicacy, and it wasn’t until later centuries that strawberries became widely cultivated and accessible.

5. Ancient Romans Used Them as Medicine

The ancient Romans believed strawberries had medicinal properties. They used them to treat ailments such as inflammation, fevers, and even depression. While modern science doesn’t back all these claims, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for your health.

6. There’s a Museum Dedicated to Strawberries

Yes, you read that right. Belgium is home to the Strawberry Museum (Musée de la Fraise) in Wépion. It’s dedicated entirely to strawberries and their cultural significance. Visitors can learn about the fruit’s history, cultivation, and its role in Belgian cuisine.

7. They’re the First Fruit to Ripen in Spring

Strawberries are considered the heralds of spring. They’re one of the first fruits to ripen after the long winter months, making them a symbol of renewal and freshness.

8. The World’s Largest Strawberry

The Guinness World Record for the heaviest strawberry was set in 2015 by Koji Nakao in Fukuoka, Japan. This massive berry weighed a whopping 250 grams (8.82 ounces) and was as large as a human hand!

9. You Can Grow Them Vertically

Short on space? Strawberries are versatile and can grow vertically. By using hanging baskets or wall planters, you can create a stunning vertical garden that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

10. They Have Their Own Festival

Strawberries are celebrated worldwide, but one of the most famous events is the Florida Strawberry Festival. Held annually in Plant City, Florida, this festival features strawberry-themed desserts, music, and even a strawberry shortcake-eating contest.

Celebrate with a Strawberry Feast

On International Strawberry Day, indulge in all things strawberry! Whether you’re savoring them fresh, blending them into smoothies, or baking them into desserts, take a moment to appreciate the quirky and delightful history of this unique fruit.