S is for …

Strawberry

Fun Facts

  • The average strawberry has 200 seeds.
  • Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in spring.
  • Strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside of their skin.
  • The ancient Romans used to think that strawberries had medicinal powers.
  • A strawberry plant is what is known as a perennial plant. This means that if you plant them this year then they will grow back next year, and the year after that (and maybe even the year after that). They may not always bear fruit but once they do, they will keep growing fruit for 5 years.

Where do we come from?

Strawberries or strawberry flavoured foods are very popular all across the world. Strawberries themselves are fresh and juicy and they can be used in juices, ice-creams, pies, milkshakes, chocolate and many other foods.

The first strawberries were grown in France but now America is the world’s largest grower of strawberries. Other countries, such as Turkey, Spain, Egypt, Mexico, Russia and South Korea are also global leaders in strawberry production.

Test yourself! Can you locate all of these countries on the map?

We are good for you!

Like all fruits and vegetables, strawberries are low in sodium, calories and fats and they contain lots of dietary fibre. However, strawberries are especially good for you because …

  • They contain lots of vitamin C which is good for your skin, bones and blood.

Saving your own strawberry seeds

You can save the seeds from your strawberries that you eat at home, and then have a go at growing your own plants – it is so easy! All you need to do it …

  • Put your ripe strawberries in a blender.
  • Add a cup of water to the blender and blend on a high setting for 3-5 seconds (if you leave it longer than this the seeds may get damaged).
  • Let the blended mixture rest for 2 minutes.
  • The useable seeds will sink and the unusable ones will float, along with the strawberry flesh.
  • Once this has happened, pour off the unusable seeds, strawberry flesh and the water.
  • Rinse the remaining seeds (the ones left at the bottom of the blender) with water.
  • Transfer the seeds to a paper towel and leave them to dry completely.
  • Store the seeds in a cool and dry place, ready for planting.

When you plant strawberries from seeds you want to keep them indoors (either in a greenhouse or on your windowsill) in the early springtime to protect the plants from frost.

Did you know …

… Strawberries are famously served, with cream, every year at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London. They are absolutely delicious, you should definitely try this at home!

Get Cooking! Strawberries with scones.