The Strawberry, America's Favorite Fruit

There are many stories and legends behind the origination of the strawberry's name.

Its name may have come from the phrase "Straws of berries," which is how English children used to sell them. Or perhaps it originated from the farming methods that most farmers use. They plant them in raised beds with straw between.

In the Cherokee culture, the strawberry is a symbol of good luck.

The fruit is not actually classified as a berry. The seeds of a strawberry are located on the outer skin of the berry. True berries, such as red raspberries and blueberries, have seeds on the inside.

The top two strawberry producing states are California and Florida. California harvests produce about 83 percent of the nations strawberry crop.

Helpful Picking Tips

Don't pick pale red strawberries, or berries with green tips. Strawberries will not ripen after you pick them, so if you pick a green one, you will have a sour berry.

Pick all the ripe berries, big and small.Often, the smaller berries are sweeter. Sweetness also depends on the variety.

When picking, be sure the cap, or green top, remains on the strawberry by pinching the stem of the berry between the thumb and forefinger.