Why Do Strawberries Have Seeds On the Outside?

You need to understand the terms; seed, plant, and stem, to fully understand the structure of a strawberry. A seed is capable of growing a new plant, and contains an embryo. It is the matured and fertilized ovule of a flowering plant. A fruit is a matured ovary but is not fertilized.

Stems have receptacles where the flower organs grow. The "seeds" on a strawberry are called achenes. Achenes contain both the seed and the fruit, with the seed inside, surrounded by the ovary wall. So calling them seeds is partially correct. The red flesh of the strawberry is actually an enlarged receptacle. This is also true for apples and pineapples. So, you are actually eating part of a stem with achenes on the outside.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a member of the Roseacea, or rose family. Roseacea is a very large family, including:

Raspberries
Apples
Peaches
Cherries
Plums
Prunes
Almonds
Roses

Origins of the Name Strawberry

There are three theories on how the strawberry got its name. The first, and most popular, theory claims that the name came from the fact that strawberries are "strewn" all over the plant. They were first called "strewn berries," and that evolved into "strawberry."

Legend claims that in the 19th century, children in England picked strawberries and strung them on grass straws to sell them. The third view comes from the fact that farmers would place straw around the plants to protect young strawberries as they grew. No matter where they got their name, they are a delicious and nutritious snack.

Strawberries Throughout History

Ancient Romans used strawberries for inflammation, infections, depression, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen. In Medieval times, strawberries were thought to bring peace and prosperity and their design was carved by stone masons into pillars and altars of churches. Some people in Bavaria still tie baskets of strawberries to their cattle's horns as an offering to elves every spring. Since elves love strawberries, it was thought that they will, in return, help the cows to give birth to healthy calves and produce a large amount of milk. Romantically speaking, some believe that if you cut open a double strawberry and share it with someone of the opposite sex, you will fall in love. The French believed that strawberries were an aphrodisiac and newlyweds were served a dish prepared with strawberries, sour cream, powdered sugar, and borage (an herb).

Nutrition and Uses

Strawberries have vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, nitrate, and fiber. Nitrate can increase blood flow to your muscles, making it easier to exercise, and help you burn more calories while you do. Strawberries are fat-free and only 55 calories per cup.

There are some interesting uses for strawberries. If you have a fever, strawberry juice can cool you. Mixing honey with strawberry juice can reduce inflammation and sunburn. Simply rub it into the skin, and rinse it off with warm water and lemon juice.

Interesting Facts

Strawberries are the only "fruit" to have seeds (achenes) on the outside and have 200 of them, on average.
Wild strawberries are found in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
In the spring, strawberries are the first fruit to ripen.
Strawberries are grown in every state in the U.S. with California producing the most, a billion pounds a year.
Strawberries are eaten in 94% of the households in the U.S. Strawberries were picked as their favorite fruit by 53% of seven to nine year olds.
Belgium has a museum just for strawberries.
Native American Indians put strawberries, called "heart-seed berries" into their corn bread. Colonists made their own version, which is the forerunner to what we know as Strawberry Shortcake.