Strawberries: Stuff You Missed in History Class

Introduction

• Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class
• Hosts: Holly Frye and Tracy V. Wilson
• Theme: The historical journey of strawberries from forage items to a major fruit crop

Strawberries in Culture

• Currently a popular item in fashion and home goods
• Part of the rose family (Rosaceae)
• Strawberries are not true berries or fruits; the edible part is an accessory fruit
• Seeds on the outside are actual fruits called achenes

Historical Cultivation

• Wild strawberries have been around for thousands of years
• Cultivation began roughly 250 years ago
• Early cultivation delayed due to ease of wild collection
• First records: Ancient Rome
• Domestication started roughly 2,000 years ago

Uses in History

• Used for medicinal purposes: treating diarrhea, gout, skin irritations, sunburn, and more
• Rich in Vitamin C, folic acid, antioxidants, and potassium

Etymology

• Several theories about the origin of the name "strawberry"
• First known use in the late 15th century

Development and Spread

• 14th century France: Transition from foraging to gardening
• Religious art: Symbolized righteousness
• 14th-16th centuries: Increasing popularity in France and England
• Introduction of North American species (Fragaria virginiana) in the 17th century

The Chilean Connection

• In 1714, Fragaria chiloensis arrives in Europe, transforming strawberries
• Amédée-François Frézier's secret mission to gather plants from Chile
• Early challenges with strawberry fertility due to needing both male and female plants

Breakthrough in Cultivation

• Antoine Nicolas Duchesne's work in mid-18th century consolidates strawberry cultivation
• Crossed Fragaria chiloensis with musk strawberries to produce viable, self-pollinating plants
• Creation of Fragaria × ananassa, the modern strawberry

Impact and Legacy

• Strawberries become a staple luxury item and popular food
• Significant economic impact in modern agriculture, especially in the US
• Duchesne and Frézier’s contributions remain foundational to modern strawberries

Additional Notes

• Listener mail: Discussion on Character Strong program in schools
• Humorous anecdotes about teaching children and family rules

Conclusion

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