The true origin of how the strawberry got its name is unknown. Some theories however, do exist and there are two which are the most prevalent. The first is that in the 19th century when English children would pick the fruit they would string them on grass straws and then sell them as "straws of berries." Another theory is that the name comes from the practice of putting straw down around the plant to protect it.

Strawberries are the only fruit to have their seeds on the outside. This helps the seeds to travel and is why they are native to various places all around the world. This includes countries in Europe, North America, and Asia.

With only 55 calories per cup of strawberries. this little fruit is very nutritious. A kid needs to eat only eight strawberries to receive 140% of the recommended amount of vitamin C in a day. Strawberries are also good a source of folic acid, potassium and fiber.

It has also been believed throughout history that the strawberry contains medicinal properties. It is said that the pulp has a cooling effect on people with a fever. The American Cancer Institute has listed the strawberry as one of the foods that can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

New Hampshire crop production has been steadily growing over the past decade as more tree fruit and vegetable growers have diversified. This is, in part, because strawberries fruit much earlier than most other fruits providing a crop to sell much earlier. Usually planted in the matted row system, this little plant produces runners but not fruit in the first year. In order to protect the strawberry plant from the frost they are mulched in mid-November and then removed early in April. They then flower and fruit.

Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring with its season beginning in mid-June and running through to mid-July. This, of course, varies depending on the weather, especially when it comes to rain fall. So, it would be a good idea to call ahead and make sure that the strawberries are ripe before heading out.

~ Megin K. for meliving.com

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