Ten fun facts about Strawberries

Fact 1
Strawberries were referenced in ancient Roman literature for their medicinal use and to treat depressive illnesses.

Fact 2
Around the 18th century, the garden strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France.

Fact 3
When strawberry plants are more than one or two years old, their fruit quality and productivity decline.

Fact 4
There are at least 200 known species that attack strawberry plants, including slugs, fruit flies, strawberry thrips and mites.

Fact 5
People who grow strawberries have been advised to only water their roots since the moisture on their leaves can grow fungus.

Fact 6
Allergies that stem from strawberries, or an oral allergy syndrome, can have symptoms that mimic hay fever, and may be caused by the red in the berry.

Fact 7
There are, on average, about 200 seeds on a strawberry. It's also the only fruit with seeds on it's external coat.

Fact 8
Strawberries are a member of the rose family.

Fact 9
About 94% of Americans eat strawberries, meaning the average American eats about 3.4 pounds of strawberries a year.

Fact 10
For children, consuming 8 strawberries would give them 140% of the recommended intake of Vitamin C.