Alpine strawberries (fragaria vesca) are naturally occurring in the northern hemisphere and are believed to have been eaten by humans since the Stone Age. First cultivated by the Persians, the seeds were brought on the silk road towards the Far East and to Europe, where the plant species gained popularity until the introduction of the larger garden strawberry in the 18th century.They may be small, but alpine strawberries are strongly flavored and are still used today in jams, sauces, liqueurs, cosmetics, and alternative medicines.
Strawberries are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C (just one cup has your daily requirement!) and a good source of folate, other B vitamins, and trace minerals. Enjoy them raw as a snack or put atop your cereal or yogurt.
FACT: Alpine strawberries are also known as wild strawberries or Fraises des Bois, pronounced "frez-day-bwah," meaning "strawberries of the woods" in French.
Media (text and image) created and published by Rebekah Carter 2010.
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