Good morning, how are you? I would like to welcome you to our series sharing Food Holidays: February 27th, 2022. It’s National Strawberry Day and now that Charlie is learning to cook. With David doing so much for us I think I will have Charlie make Chocolate Covered Strawberries or a Strawberry Cheesecake for David. Then for Charlie and I we can make Brownies since neither of us care for Strawberries. How about you?
I would like to let you know National Strawberry Day falls on February 27th every year. Adding an extra aphrodisiac to this month of love. Devilishly sweet, low in calories, Strawberries are the perfect food to make you feel naughty and nice at the same time. Strawberries are 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!
HISTORY OF 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 Strawberries could be transported quickly all around the Country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. Strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.
The berry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “streawberige” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest because of farmers mulching Strawberries with straw, and there are also accounts that the Strawberries were sold on straw skewers at markets.
The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but National Strawberry Day has been celebrated since at least 2013. The Strawberrys heart-shape and bright red color make the Strawberry a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY ACTIVITIES
- If you’ve thought ahead, you’ll have planted Strawberry Seeds last April and now the plants will be bearing their Fruit. You only need to pluck Strawberries off the stalks and feast on nature’s bounty.
- Put your creativity to the test and try carving Strawberries to impress your friends. With a little dexterity, you can sculpt Strawberries into roses.
- There are many songs featuring Strawberries including ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ by The Beatles to Coldplay’s ‘Strawberry Swing.’
5 FACTS ABOUT STRAWBERRIES
- The Ancient Romans believed Strawberries had medicinal purposes and prescribed Strawberries for minor ailments like sore throats, as well as more serious problems like a fever or long-term issues like depression.
- The Strawberry is not technically considered a Berry as its seeds are on the outside (around 200 of them). In fact, Strawberries are the only fruit with external seeds, giving Strawberries its own special category.
- Strawberries’ flavor can be very variable, because they’re influenced by a variety of factors, including the type,weather, and the time of harvest.
- Strawberries is a member of the rose family, which explains its fragrant scent and bright color.
- The magnesium, potassium, and folate found in Strawberries mean they encourage a healthy libido and makes this romantic fruit an aphrodisiac for many.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
- The Strawberry is the first fruit to ripen in the spring. When the first Strawberries appear, it’s a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way, and you can taste a new season in the air.
- Strawberries are so versatile that Strawberries are grown in every single U.S. State and Canadian province. That means wherever you are, you can celebrate with local produce.
- Strawberries are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease and even certain Cancers thanks to their vitamins, fiber, potassium, and acids. Eating Strawberries can give short-term pleasure as well as long-term results.
January 15th is National Strawberry Ice Cream Day! First celebrated in 1932.– A ‘Day’ created in the 1950’s to celebrate a very popular flavor of the time.
Here are five things to know about Strawberry Ice Cream:
- It is thought that “Iced” Cream was first served in the White House in the early 1800’s.
2. Huge chunks of frozen river ice were stored in basements vaults covered in hay to keep them from melting.
3. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
4. Strawberries are a member of the rose family.
5 Did you know Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.) is known to have loved snow flavored Strawberries with Nectar and Honey.
National Kahlua Day is celebrated on February 27 every year as a tribute to one of the greatest rich, creamy, alcoholic, coffee dessert beverages — yes, it is none other than Kahlua! Did you know that Kahlua is the world’s number one coffee liqueur? People love this coffee-flavored, rum-based liqueur.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY
When it comes to slightly sinful beverages loved by many, there is perhaps no better example than a glass of Kahlua! Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur that originated in Hawaii. It is made from sugar cane, rum, and coffee beans. Some interpret the word ‘Kahlua’ as ‘lemonade’ in the Hawaiian language, which makes sense because it tastes like a combination of espresso and lemonade.
Kahlua has been said to be around for decades — since 1869 to be exact! However, the solid origins of Kahlua can be traced back to its invention in 1936. It was invented by two men, Senior Blanco and Montalvo Lara; they were also known as the Alvarez brothers. One was a food inventor who gave birth to an idea of rich and tasteful Arabica coffee, and the other was a chemist. They came together and created Kahlua from the finest ingredients that grow side by side in rural Veracruz.
In 1940, Kahlua was exported to the U.S., and it became a favorite drink of many. In the 1960s, Kahlua company led a creative ad campaign and created a female leadership, which was unique at that time. This gained media attention
Later in the 1980s, Kahlua grew in popularity and became the number one selling coffee liqueur in the world. Today, Kahlua is a brand with a unique history and an amazing history. It is loved by many in the world. Kahlua is the most famous of all Hawaiian drinks, and there are many different ways to enjoy it, but remember to drink and celebrate responsibly.
- Kahlúa is the ‘original’ coffee liquor. First produced in 1936 by Veracruz, Mexico native Pedro Domeca.
- The word Kah-lúa means “Heart of the Veracruz people”
- The ‘Black Russian’ the worlds most popular Kahlúa mixed drink,was first created in 1949.
- A 1 ounce serving of Kalúa contains 20% alcohol /42 proof, zero fat, 14 carbs, and 91 calories
- It takes 7 years to create each bottle of Kalúa, from harvest of the coffee beans, vanilla, and sugar cane to bottle.
NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enjoy KahluaThe best way to celebrate National Kahlua Day is by drinking it. Whether you taste it with coffee, hot chocolate, or other creamy chocolate, just enjoy it.
- Organize a Kahlua partyOrganize a Kahlua party with your friends and family and have a chill and safe party in your home!
- Present a Kahlua to someoneWhat is the joy of having a Kahlua yourself? Share a Kahlua with your co-workers or someone who needs a drink.
5 DELICIOUS FACTS ABOUT KAHLUA THAT MAKES YOU CRAVE FOR ONE!
- “The House of Acolhua people”The word ‘Kahlua’ means “House of the Acolhua people” in the Veracruz Nahuatl language.
- That’s long!It takes seven years to create one bottle of Kahlua.
- Kahlua is not of American originContrary to what most people believe, Kahlua is not an American drink, it was first produced in Veracruz, Mexico.
- They lowered the alcohol contentThe current versions of Kahlua contain about 20% of alcohol, but the earlier versions contained 26%.
- World’s popular drinkThe world’s most popular Kahlua drink, the Black Russian, was created back in 1949.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY
- Kahlua is for every occasionKahlua is a kind of drink that is perfect for every occasion. Are you having a good day? Kahlua! Are you having a bad day? Kahlua!
- Kahlua is a flexible drink.Kahlua is a flexible star of several delicious cocktail recipes. You can pair it with almost anything, or you can just sip the coffee liqueur by itself!
- It has coffee!What more do you need! The full-bodied, rich and sweet flavor of Kahlua tastes strongly like coffee. So, why say no?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
