National California Strawberry Day falls on March 21st. You cab bet National California Strawberry Day is the perfect holiday for nutrition lovers to bask in the fruity deliciousness of one of the world’s favorite Fruits Strawberries!
Come and join us as we celebrate a whole day dedicated to Strawberries? Not only does this yummy heart-shaped Fruit known as Strawberries warm countless hearts and delight bellies, but Strawberries are also packed with goodness benefiting our heart, skin, brain, and much more.
Did you know National California Strawberry Day was birthed in 1983 by the California Strawberry Advisory Board (now California Strawberry Commission) in celebration of Strawberries, which can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes? My family didn’t know this.
Most people know Strawberries rank among the world’s preferred Fruits right now but did you know the existence of Strawberries can be traced back centuries? According to popular belief, there are traces of Strawberry Plants in ancient Rome in 234 B.C., their use then was medicinal.
Strawberries were used to treat depression, fever, kidney stones, and sore throats. By the 14th Century B.C., the tiny rare fruit was cultivated in France. In America, the Europeans first discovered Strawberries in 1588.
However, the variants of Strawberries enjoyed today differ from the earlier ones. In 1712, native Strawberries landed in France from Chile they were crossed with European Strawberries, and the result was the delicious, large Berries enjoyed today.
The small bright, juicy, red Strawberry, scientific name Fragaria Ananassa, are rumored to be Berries just like Blackberries and Raspberries aren’t really in the botanical sense of the word as they are derived from a single Flower with more than one ovary, as compared to true Berries from one Flower and an ovary with several seeds. Examples of true Berries are Blueberries, Gooseberries, Cranberries, Grapes, Tomatoes, Bananas, and Peppers.
Strawberries are reputed to deliver a world of goodness: Strawberrys wade off cancer, boost immunity, boost eye, and brain health, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, among numerous benefits Strawberries are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, Strawberries seat comfortably as a low-calorie food too which helps with weight loss. Strawberries are also a highlight as they are dubbed as one of Spring’s first Fruits.
National California Strawberry Day Activities
- \Strawberries come in about 600 varieties and can be enjoyed in plenty of ways; you could try a Strawberry Milkshake, perfect for any time of the day. All you need is Frozen Strawberries, Milk, Strawberry Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and of course, Strawberries.
- There are lots and lots of options out there which will allow you to celebrate National California Strawberrys Day including Strawberry Sweets, Strawberry Ice Cream, Strawberry Cakes, Chocolate-covered Strawberries, and Strawberry Shortbread Cookies.
- The Sunny weather brings the perfect opportunity to be outdoors picking Summer Fruits like Strawberries. Quick tip, mornings are the best time to pick Strawberries and don’t forget to give yourself a treat once done.
Awesome Facts About Strawberries
- Strawberries and Honeyberries are known as the first Fruits to ripen with the welcome of Spring.
- Just like Chocolate, Strawberries are known to boost mood, increase libido, and heighten pleasure.
- In ancient Rome, Strawberries were regarded as the symbol of Venus, the Goddess of Love.
- Strawberries are the only Fruit with seeds on the outside and that disqualifies Strawberries as Berries.
- California produces more than 80% of Strawberries consumed in North America.
Why People Love National California Strawberry Day
- Strawberries are nature’s delight and they are yummy and can be eaten in a variety of ways. Indulge including Smoothies, Puddings, Ice Cream, Cake, breakfast Fruits, desserts, or after-dinner snacks, depending on your preference.
- Strawberries are low in calories so we don’t have to worry about packing extra pounds while enjoying the treat that provides tons of nutritional benefits.
- Strawberries are symbolic and the delicious treat has long been associated with purity, love, fertility, and rebirth. Gift your loved one Strawberries toda
Recipe for Strawberry Pie
Yields: 8 serving(s) Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 5 hours 30 mins
Ingredients
Whipped cream, for serving
1 refrigerated pie crust
1 1/2 qt. fresh strawberries, stems removed, halved
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. corn starch
Directions
1: For the crust: Bake 1 refrigerated pie crust according to package directions. Let it cool completely.
2: For the strawberry filling: In a small bowl, use a fork to mash 1 1/2 cups of strawberries. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the mashed berries with the sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a low boil, stirring and mashing frequently, and cook until the fruit begins to soften and break down more, about 5 minutes.
3; In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering strawberry mixture and return the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and fold in the remaining fresh strawberries. Immediately transfer the strawberry mixture to the pie crust.
4; Let cool slightly, about 15 minutes, then place in the refrigerator to cool completely, about 4 hours.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
