Historical
Facts
Strawberries are
thought to have been cultivated in ancient Rome.
The strawberry, as we know it, was originally grown in northern Europe, but species are
also found in Russia, Chile, and the United States.
The berries seem to
be strewn among the leaves of the plant. The plant first had the name strewberry,
which later was changed to strawberry.
In France
strawberries were cultivated in the 13th Century for use as a medicinal herb.
Historical Medicinal
Uses of Fragaria Vesca (Alpine Strawberry):
It is said that the leaves, roots and fruits of this variety of strawberry were used for a
digestive or skin tonic. Internally, the berry was used for diarrhea and digestive upset,
while the leaves and the roots were used for gout. Externally, it was used for sunburn and
skin blemishes, and the fruit juice was used for discolored teeth.
The first American
species of strawberries was cultivated about 1835
.
The first important
American variety, the Hoveg, was grown in 1834, in Massachusetts. The hybrid variety was
developed in France.
The strawberry is
considered one of the most important small fruits grown in the Western Hemisphere. Today
every state in the United States and every province in Canada grows the strawberry plant.
Credits: Much of the
information in this and the next fact section was originally provided by Jennifer L. Hoff,
from her 6th grade Report on strawberries, Plymouth Middle School, Plymouth, MN, December
3rd, 1995. Additions and corrections have also been added by Jenni A. Merrifield. |
