National Strawberry Day

The story

Strawberries have been growing wild for thousands of years, with the French cultivating them in the 14th century. They quickly became a favorite, and Archbishop Thomas Wolsey paired them with cream for Henry VIII’s court, a combination still loved today. It wasn’t until 1712, though, that French explorers brought together different strawberry varieties, creating the garden strawberry we recognize today.

By the early 19th century, strawberries had become a symbol of luxury, especially when paired with cream. With the arrival of railroads, strawberries could be shipped quickly across the country. Today, California grows 75% of U.S. strawberries, though they’re cultivated in all 50 states.

The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. With their heart shape and bright red color, strawberries are a perfect symbol of love, fitting well with the romantic vibes of February.

While National Strawberry Day gained attention in 2013, strawberries have been enjoyed for centuries. Commercial strawberry farming became widespread in the U.S. in the 1800s, and today, strawberries are a favorite in dishes from shortcakes to jams to smoothies.