February 27 National Strawberry Day #nationalstrawberrydaya Holiday David will be over the moon to celebrate because he loves Strawberries by themselves in beverages and desserts as well. Before you ask about me and Charlie I like Strawberry Ice Cream but nothing else with Strawberries and Charlie doesn’t like them at all. How about you?
National Strawberry Day falls on February 27 every year, adding an extra aphrodisiac to this month of love. Strawberries are sweet, and low in calories. Strawberries are the perfect food to make you feel naughty and nice at the same time. Grown both around the U.S. and around the world almost year-round, you’re never far from a supplier of Strawberries to help you celebrate National Strawberry Day!
Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought Strawberries into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th Century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of Strawberries and Cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.
However, the early species of Strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of Strawberry plants, and the garden Strawberry we know today was born.
In the early 19th Century, love for Strawberries spread quickly when Strawberries and Cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that Strawberries could be transported quickly all around the Country. New York produced bumper crops of Strawberries and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. Strawberries are grown in California, but Strawberries are still grown in every State.
Strawberry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that the name Strawberry comes from the Old English “streawberige” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that Strawberries are so called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that Strawberries were sold on straw skewers at markets.
The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Strawberries heart-shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the month of February.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY ACTIVITIES
- If you’ve thought ahead, you’ll have planted Strawberry seeds the last of April and now the plants will be bearing Strawberries.
- Put your creativity to the test and try carving Strawberries into Roses to impress your friends.
FACTS ABOUT STRAWBERRIES
- The Ancient Romans believed Strawberries had medicinal purposes and prescribed them for minor ailments like sore throats, as well as more serious problems like a fever and long-term issues like depression.
- The Strawberry is not technically considered a Berry because its seeds are on the outside (around 200 of them). Strawberries are the only fruit with external seeds, giving it its own special category.
- Strawberries are a member of the Rose family.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
- Strawberry is the first fruit to ripen in the Spring.
- Strawberries are so versatile that they are grown in every single U.S. state and Canadian province which means wherever you are, you can celebrate with local produce.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves intact
- 16 ounces chocolate chips or bar (chopped into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoon shortening (optional for added smoothness and sheen)
- 8 ounces white chocolate for drizzling (optional)
- Sprinkles, coarse sugar, or finely chopped nuts for decorating (optional)
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Parchment or waxed paper
- Saucepan (optional)
- Heatproof/microwave-safe bowl
- Heatproof silicone spatula (wood can retain water)
- Skewer or toothpick (optional)
- Spoons (optional)
Directions
1. Rinse berries under cold water and dry thoroughly, even the leaves. Important: You’ll want to make sure not the slightest drop of water comes into contact later with your melted chocolate, otherwise it will go from silky smooth to thick and grainy in an instant. Set the washed and dried berries on a perfectly dry towel and let them come to room temperature while you prep the baking sheet and the chocolate.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Use a large enough pan to allow an inch or two of space between the strawberries.
If you plan on coating dipped strawberries with finely chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut flakes, crushed candy, etc., prep those ingredients now and put them in bowls.
3. Melt the chocolate. In a bowl set over hot water or in the microwave. The key is to go low and slow for a smoother melt. And I can’t say this enough: Do not let any water come into contact with the chocolate. Some people add shortening to the chocolate to make it smoother, but this isn’t necessary if you’re using a good quality, high cocoa fat chocolate.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
