Nicola here. It's all about fruit and nuts on the blog this week! On Wednesday Jo was blogging about coconuts and today I'm looking at the history of strawberries!
Nothing speaks of an English summer more than strawberries and cream. It’s an iconic dish that is closely associated with garden parties, stately homes and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. It’s one of the nostalgic images of “old” England and in fact the dish is celebrating its 510th anniversary round about now.
The strawberry has, of course, been around for a lot longer than 500 years. The writings of the Ancient Greeks and Romans refer to the wild strawberry fruit and its medicinal properties but evidence from archaeological excavations suggests that our Stone Age ancestors were already eating wild strawberries. In about the 14th century these wild plants were taken from woodlands and introduced into gardens so that they could be grown for household fruit. Charles V, King of France in 1364, must have had a particular penchant for them as 1200 strawberry plants were grown in his royal gardens. From the early 15th century the plant also pops up in illuminated manuscripts and western art, demonstrating that it was familiar – and beautiful – to our ancestors.
The wild strawberry is tiny in relation to its commercially grown cousin. You can find it growing in the wild in England in woods, on 
chalk and limestone downlands and in railway cuttings (which is where I saw some most recently and where a lot of other beautiful wild plants and flowers also grow.) There are two different sorts of wild strawberry – wood strawberries which bear the beautiful French name fraisier des bois, and the alpine strawberry. In the 19th century the French seed producer Vilmorin described the wood strawberry as having a very distinct perfume and flavour. The alpine variety are larger and produce fruit for longer.
Meanwhile in the Americas a different type of strawberry was flourishing. The Mapuche and Huillche Indians of Chile cultivated a particular strawberry which, when it was introduced to Europe in the 18th century, bore no fruit. However when it was planted amongst other strains of strawberry it bore lots of large fruits. European strawberry growers thus discovered that the plants had the ability to bear male-only and female-only flowers. A treatise on the Sexual Reproduction of Strawberries was produced in 1766!
The modern strawberry is descended from two of the older species; the Fragaria Virginiana from North America and the Chilean strawberry Fragaria Chiloensis.
Woodland strawberry fruit is strongly flavoured, and is still collected and grown for domestic use and on a small scale commercially for gourmet foods and as an ingredient for commercial jam, sauces, liqueurs, cosmetics and alternative medicine.
So what about the cream? Well, allegedly, it was Cardinal Wolsey who came up with the idea of matching up strawberries and cream one day in 1509 during a banquet at Hampton Court for Henry VIII’s court. This set the seal of its popularity. One Tudor traveller however sounds a word of warning about over-eating:
"Rawe crayme undecocted, eaten with strawberyes or hurtes (whortleberry, billberry) is a rurall mannes blanket. I have knowen such 
blankettes hath put men in jeoperdy of theyr lyves."
The picture gives a clue as to what might happen! The problem, as viewed by Tudor physicians, was all to do with the four “humours,” the fluids within the body that affected everything from your health to your mood, looks and behaviour. Raw fruits were considered dangerous as they possessed cold and moist humours. This required them to be balanced out by hot and dry humours. Fortunately these could be found in sugar!
Another way to counter the potential ill effects of fruit was by cooking it with wine and spices in the form of a pottage, as instructed in the book Two 15th century Cookbooks:
“Take strawberries and was them in time of year in good red wine; then strain through a cloth, and do them in a pot with good almond milk, allay it with amidon or with flour of rice, and make it chargeaunt (thick) and let it boil, and do therein raisins of corinth (currants), saffron, pepper, sugar great plenty, powder ginger, canell, galingale; point it with vinegar, and a little white grease (lard) put thereto; colour it with alkanet, and drop it about, plant it with the grains of pomegranate, and serve it forth.”
So the poor old strawberry had a bit of a mixed reputation. Before suspicions about its dangerous qualities crept in, it appeared in manuscripts representing the medieval belief that the strawberry is a cure for depressive illnesses; its presence suggests the healing powers of Christ that lead us to eternal salvation. It stood "for noble thought and modesty, for although it is conspicuous by its color and fragrance, it nevertheless bows humbly to the earth. Its three-partitioned leaf was a reminder of the Holy Trinity. The fruits, pointing downward, were the drops of Blood of Christ, and the five petals of its white flower, his five wounds." So it was a holy plant in the Christian religion. St. Francis de Sales, who considered that virtue was represented in nature, spoke of the righteous and incorruptible nature of the strawberry, untouched by any poison around it: As a symbol of perfection and righteousness, medieval stone masons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals.
It's worth noting that Shakespeare also threw shade on the strawberry. In Richard III he has the king calling for strawberries to eat whilst plotting the murder of the Princes in the Tower!
So the Victorians picked up on the popularity of strawberries – with cream – when they launched the first Wimbledon tennis 
championship in 1877 and from there they have gone on to colonise recipes across the world and across all seasons. William Morris helped with one of his most popular textile designs, The Strawberry Thief, inspired by the thrushes stealing fruit at his manor house at Kelmscott in Oxfordshire. The strawberry motif is now a very popular decoration.
As for the recipes, well, you can have strawberries with almost anything these days – pepper, for example, or in strawberry gin, or with meringues in Eton Mess, famously said to have been created when a Labrador sat on a strawberry meringue cake at a picnic!
What is the taste of summer for you? Is it strawberries or something completely different? Have you tried strawberries and pepper and do you have a favourite strawberry recipe?
I love strawberries, provided they are locally grown and in season. I avoid strawberries you can buy as early as March or April, which have been produced in greenhouses, shipped from heaven knows where and are absolutely tasteless.
Once they are in season, I love to eat them with cream, but also as a Coupe Romanov, i.e. with vanilla icecream and whipped cream.
They also make a lovely dessert crushed and mixed with curd cheese (If that is the equivalent to Quark or fromage blanc).
And then there is my sister in laws recipe for rhubarb and strawberry tiramisu, which is a winner with basically everyone.
I also quite like a salad made with strawberries and green asparagus or to add strawberries to a chicken salad. Hence I suppose I have eaten them with pepper, but not as a sweet dish.
As for the taste of summer, since strawberries are best in June and maybe early July, for me summer fruits are more red currants, raspberries, blueberries or apricots. All more readily in season in July or August.
I love strawberries, provided they are locally grown and in season. I avoid strawberries you can buy as early as March or April, which have been produced in greenhouses, shipped from heaven knows where and are absolutely tasteless.
Once they are in season, I love to eat them with cream, but also as a Coupe Romanov, i.e. with vanilla icecream and whipped cream.
They also make a lovely dessert crushed and mixed with curd cheese (If that is the equivalent to Quark or fromage blanc).
And then there is my sister in laws recipe for rhubarb and strawberry tiramisu, which is a winner with basically everyone.
I also quite like a salad made with strawberries and green asparagus or to add strawberries to a chicken salad. Hence I suppose I have eaten them with pepper, but not as a sweet dish.
As for the taste of summer, since strawberries are best in June and maybe early July, for me summer fruits are more red currants, raspberries, blueberries or apricots. All more readily in season in July or August.
I love strawberries, provided they are locally grown and in season. I avoid strawberries you can buy as early as March or April, which have been produced in greenhouses, shipped from heaven knows where and are absolutely tasteless.
Once they are in season, I love to eat them with cream, but also as a Coupe Romanov, i.e. with vanilla icecream and whipped cream.
They also make a lovely dessert crushed and mixed with curd cheese (If that is the equivalent to Quark or fromage blanc).
And then there is my sister in laws recipe for rhubarb and strawberry tiramisu, which is a winner with basically everyone.
I also quite like a salad made with strawberries and green asparagus or to add strawberries to a chicken salad. Hence I suppose I have eaten them with pepper, but not as a sweet dish.
As for the taste of summer, since strawberries are best in June and maybe early July, for me summer fruits are more red currants, raspberries, blueberries or apricots. All more readily in season in July or August.
I love strawberries, provided they are locally grown and in season. I avoid strawberries you can buy as early as March or April, which have been produced in greenhouses, shipped from heaven knows where and are absolutely tasteless.
Once they are in season, I love to eat them with cream, but also as a Coupe Romanov, i.e. with vanilla icecream and whipped cream.
They also make a lovely dessert crushed and mixed with curd cheese (If that is the equivalent to Quark or fromage blanc).
And then there is my sister in laws recipe for rhubarb and strawberry tiramisu, which is a winner with basically everyone.
I also quite like a salad made with strawberries and green asparagus or to add strawberries to a chicken salad. Hence I suppose I have eaten them with pepper, but not as a sweet dish.
As for the taste of summer, since strawberries are best in June and maybe early July, for me summer fruits are more red currants, raspberries, blueberries or apricots. All more readily in season in July or August.
I love strawberries, provided they are locally grown and in season. I avoid strawberries you can buy as early as March or April, which have been produced in greenhouses, shipped from heaven knows where and are absolutely tasteless.
Once they are in season, I love to eat them with cream, but also as a Coupe Romanov, i.e. with vanilla icecream and whipped cream.
They also make a lovely dessert crushed and mixed with curd cheese (If that is the equivalent to Quark or fromage blanc).
And then there is my sister in laws recipe for rhubarb and strawberry tiramisu, which is a winner with basically everyone.
I also quite like a salad made with strawberries and green asparagus or to add strawberries to a chicken salad. Hence I suppose I have eaten them with pepper, but not as a sweet dish.
As for the taste of summer, since strawberries are best in June and maybe early July, for me summer fruits are more red currants, raspberries, blueberries or apricots. All more readily in season in July or August.
Now I want some fresh strawberries. I shall have to find some of the late ripening variety this weekend.
Thanks for the post, very enlightening.
Now I want some fresh strawberries. I shall have to find some of the late ripening variety this weekend.
Thanks for the post, very enlightening.
Now I want some fresh strawberries. I shall have to find some of the late ripening variety this weekend.
Thanks for the post, very enlightening.
Now I want some fresh strawberries. I shall have to find some of the late ripening variety this weekend.
Thanks for the post, very enlightening.
Now I want some fresh strawberries. I shall have to find some of the late ripening variety this weekend.
Thanks for the post, very enlightening.
Hi Katja! Thank you – I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. All of the strawberry dishes you mention sound so tasty! I had never thought to add them to a salad with asparagus or chicken but now you have whetted my appetite I will give it a go. It’s definitely the case that strawberries taste best in June and July even if we can now buy them at most times of the year. I hope you find some delicious late-ripening ones to enjoy!
Hi Katja! Thank you – I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. All of the strawberry dishes you mention sound so tasty! I had never thought to add them to a salad with asparagus or chicken but now you have whetted my appetite I will give it a go. It’s definitely the case that strawberries taste best in June and July even if we can now buy them at most times of the year. I hope you find some delicious late-ripening ones to enjoy!
Hi Katja! Thank you – I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. All of the strawberry dishes you mention sound so tasty! I had never thought to add them to a salad with asparagus or chicken but now you have whetted my appetite I will give it a go. It’s definitely the case that strawberries taste best in June and July even if we can now buy them at most times of the year. I hope you find some delicious late-ripening ones to enjoy!
Hi Katja! Thank you – I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. All of the strawberry dishes you mention sound so tasty! I had never thought to add them to a salad with asparagus or chicken but now you have whetted my appetite I will give it a go. It’s definitely the case that strawberries taste best in June and July even if we can now buy them at most times of the year. I hope you find some delicious late-ripening ones to enjoy!
Hi Katja! Thank you – I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. All of the strawberry dishes you mention sound so tasty! I had never thought to add them to a salad with asparagus or chicken but now you have whetted my appetite I will give it a go. It’s definitely the case that strawberries taste best in June and July even if we can now buy them at most times of the year. I hope you find some delicious late-ripening ones to enjoy!
Oh, I love strawberries! Even the ones I buy at the store. They can’t compare with the fresh one from my childhood memories though.
I remember picking strawberries at my great aunt’s farm. It seemed like hard work in the hot sun. And, of course, many of them made their way into my mouth instead of the pail. When we got them back to the house, some were sold, some given away, some were made into strawberry-rhubarb pie, and the rest were made into jam.
I would not normally pair a strawberry with a pepper. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the yummy history lesson!
Oh, I love strawberries! Even the ones I buy at the store. They can’t compare with the fresh one from my childhood memories though.
I remember picking strawberries at my great aunt’s farm. It seemed like hard work in the hot sun. And, of course, many of them made their way into my mouth instead of the pail. When we got them back to the house, some were sold, some given away, some were made into strawberry-rhubarb pie, and the rest were made into jam.
I would not normally pair a strawberry with a pepper. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the yummy history lesson!
Oh, I love strawberries! Even the ones I buy at the store. They can’t compare with the fresh one from my childhood memories though.
I remember picking strawberries at my great aunt’s farm. It seemed like hard work in the hot sun. And, of course, many of them made their way into my mouth instead of the pail. When we got them back to the house, some were sold, some given away, some were made into strawberry-rhubarb pie, and the rest were made into jam.
I would not normally pair a strawberry with a pepper. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the yummy history lesson!
Oh, I love strawberries! Even the ones I buy at the store. They can’t compare with the fresh one from my childhood memories though.
I remember picking strawberries at my great aunt’s farm. It seemed like hard work in the hot sun. And, of course, many of them made their way into my mouth instead of the pail. When we got them back to the house, some were sold, some given away, some were made into strawberry-rhubarb pie, and the rest were made into jam.
I would not normally pair a strawberry with a pepper. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the yummy history lesson!
Oh, I love strawberries! Even the ones I buy at the store. They can’t compare with the fresh one from my childhood memories though.
I remember picking strawberries at my great aunt’s farm. It seemed like hard work in the hot sun. And, of course, many of them made their way into my mouth instead of the pail. When we got them back to the house, some were sold, some given away, some were made into strawberry-rhubarb pie, and the rest were made into jam.
I would not normally pair a strawberry with a pepper. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the yummy history lesson!
What a lovely story of childhood strawberry picking, Mary. You reminded me of when we used to go and “pick your own” as children in the 1970s. It was lovely eating them as we went along!
What a lovely story of childhood strawberry picking, Mary. You reminded me of when we used to go and “pick your own” as children in the 1970s. It was lovely eating them as we went along!
What a lovely story of childhood strawberry picking, Mary. You reminded me of when we used to go and “pick your own” as children in the 1970s. It was lovely eating them as we went along!
What a lovely story of childhood strawberry picking, Mary. You reminded me of when we used to go and “pick your own” as children in the 1970s. It was lovely eating them as we went along!
What a lovely story of childhood strawberry picking, Mary. You reminded me of when we used to go and “pick your own” as children in the 1970s. It was lovely eating them as we went along!
Strawberries are delicious, but can they surpass a luscious, juicy, sunwarmed peach? Or consider red raspberries, an adult berry with a hint of tartness to counteract the sweetness.
But all fresh summer fruit is pretty wonderful. *G*
Strawberries are delicious, but can they surpass a luscious, juicy, sunwarmed peach? Or consider red raspberries, an adult berry with a hint of tartness to counteract the sweetness.
But all fresh summer fruit is pretty wonderful. *G*
Strawberries are delicious, but can they surpass a luscious, juicy, sunwarmed peach? Or consider red raspberries, an adult berry with a hint of tartness to counteract the sweetness.
But all fresh summer fruit is pretty wonderful. *G*
Strawberries are delicious, but can they surpass a luscious, juicy, sunwarmed peach? Or consider red raspberries, an adult berry with a hint of tartness to counteract the sweetness.
But all fresh summer fruit is pretty wonderful. *G*
Strawberries are delicious, but can they surpass a luscious, juicy, sunwarmed peach? Or consider red raspberries, an adult berry with a hint of tartness to counteract the sweetness.
But all fresh summer fruit is pretty wonderful. *G*
Last year I dug up some wild strawberries from the forest and planted them to an old kettle and in the autumn my sister plated them under the umbrella drying rack. This year we got some wild strawberries -as did the fieldfares. I had to cover the strawerry bush with garden gauze so the birds wouldn’t eat all of them.
Last year I dug up some wild strawberries from the forest and planted them to an old kettle and in the autumn my sister plated them under the umbrella drying rack. This year we got some wild strawberries -as did the fieldfares. I had to cover the strawerry bush with garden gauze so the birds wouldn’t eat all of them.
Last year I dug up some wild strawberries from the forest and planted them to an old kettle and in the autumn my sister plated them under the umbrella drying rack. This year we got some wild strawberries -as did the fieldfares. I had to cover the strawerry bush with garden gauze so the birds wouldn’t eat all of them.
Last year I dug up some wild strawberries from the forest and planted them to an old kettle and in the autumn my sister plated them under the umbrella drying rack. This year we got some wild strawberries -as did the fieldfares. I had to cover the strawerry bush with garden gauze so the birds wouldn’t eat all of them.
Last year I dug up some wild strawberries from the forest and planted them to an old kettle and in the autumn my sister plated them under the umbrella drying rack. This year we got some wild strawberries -as did the fieldfares. I had to cover the strawerry bush with garden gauze so the birds wouldn’t eat all of them.
I love strawberries, espcially in the dish we call strawberry shortcake. BUT it must be authentice Shortcake!
Our restaurants have been serving strawberries with spongecake and pound cake and calling these dishes “Shortcake” but shortcake is a sweet biscuit (U.S. usage) which is made with lots of shortening (hense the use of “short”) and sponge cake and pound cake are quite different entities. They are good with strawberries, but they are NOT shortcake!
Sorry, this seems to have been about the underpinning rather than the strawberries, but true Strawberry Shortcake is so special to me — and it does depend on the Strawberries as well as the shortcake.
P.S. Can anyone with more world wide experience help entangle our U. S. Shortcake and biscuits from other forms of “biscuit”? They’re not scones either, but closer to them than any other non-U.S. food I’ve eaten/
I love strawberries, espcially in the dish we call strawberry shortcake. BUT it must be authentice Shortcake!
Our restaurants have been serving strawberries with spongecake and pound cake and calling these dishes “Shortcake” but shortcake is a sweet biscuit (U.S. usage) which is made with lots of shortening (hense the use of “short”) and sponge cake and pound cake are quite different entities. They are good with strawberries, but they are NOT shortcake!
Sorry, this seems to have been about the underpinning rather than the strawberries, but true Strawberry Shortcake is so special to me — and it does depend on the Strawberries as well as the shortcake.
P.S. Can anyone with more world wide experience help entangle our U. S. Shortcake and biscuits from other forms of “biscuit”? They’re not scones either, but closer to them than any other non-U.S. food I’ve eaten/
I love strawberries, espcially in the dish we call strawberry shortcake. BUT it must be authentice Shortcake!
Our restaurants have been serving strawberries with spongecake and pound cake and calling these dishes “Shortcake” but shortcake is a sweet biscuit (U.S. usage) which is made with lots of shortening (hense the use of “short”) and sponge cake and pound cake are quite different entities. They are good with strawberries, but they are NOT shortcake!
Sorry, this seems to have been about the underpinning rather than the strawberries, but true Strawberry Shortcake is so special to me — and it does depend on the Strawberries as well as the shortcake.
P.S. Can anyone with more world wide experience help entangle our U. S. Shortcake and biscuits from other forms of “biscuit”? They’re not scones either, but closer to them than any other non-U.S. food I’ve eaten/
I love strawberries, espcially in the dish we call strawberry shortcake. BUT it must be authentice Shortcake!
Our restaurants have been serving strawberries with spongecake and pound cake and calling these dishes “Shortcake” but shortcake is a sweet biscuit (U.S. usage) which is made with lots of shortening (hense the use of “short”) and sponge cake and pound cake are quite different entities. They are good with strawberries, but they are NOT shortcake!
Sorry, this seems to have been about the underpinning rather than the strawberries, but true Strawberry Shortcake is so special to me — and it does depend on the Strawberries as well as the shortcake.
P.S. Can anyone with more world wide experience help entangle our U. S. Shortcake and biscuits from other forms of “biscuit”? They’re not scones either, but closer to them than any other non-U.S. food I’ve eaten/
I love strawberries, espcially in the dish we call strawberry shortcake. BUT it must be authentice Shortcake!
Our restaurants have been serving strawberries with spongecake and pound cake and calling these dishes “Shortcake” but shortcake is a sweet biscuit (U.S. usage) which is made with lots of shortening (hense the use of “short”) and sponge cake and pound cake are quite different entities. They are good with strawberries, but they are NOT shortcake!
Sorry, this seems to have been about the underpinning rather than the strawberries, but true Strawberry Shortcake is so special to me — and it does depend on the Strawberries as well as the shortcake.
P.S. Can anyone with more world wide experience help entangle our U. S. Shortcake and biscuits from other forms of “biscuit”? They’re not scones either, but closer to them than any other non-U.S. food I’ve eaten/
Strawberries do seem more of a spring fruit to me than summer. For the taste of summer I turn to fresh produce. Green beans, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes fresh from my garden. Fruits of summer include watermelon and muskmelon. For a drink, it’s an Arnold Palmer (famous American golfer) made with half lemonade and half iced tea. Back to strawberries, one of my sisters lives near a farm that raises the Jewel strawberries which are very good so someone collects several flats (flat equals 8 quarts) when the berries are on so that the sisters all have some for Shortcake and some for the freezer. My favorite memory of picking strawberries is of my mom, a friend of hers and my husband and I were picking at a field in northern Michigan where one would be assigned a row to pick then pay for however many quarts one had at the end. My mom’s friend was picking happily in her row when she spotted the quintessential strawberry in the row next to her, reached over, snatched it, and popped it into her mouth before her next thought. That row had been assigned to a man who had started after we did and was a little further behind. Not so far behind that he didn’t see what she had done and raised a hue and cry.
Strawberries do seem more of a spring fruit to me than summer. For the taste of summer I turn to fresh produce. Green beans, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes fresh from my garden. Fruits of summer include watermelon and muskmelon. For a drink, it’s an Arnold Palmer (famous American golfer) made with half lemonade and half iced tea. Back to strawberries, one of my sisters lives near a farm that raises the Jewel strawberries which are very good so someone collects several flats (flat equals 8 quarts) when the berries are on so that the sisters all have some for Shortcake and some for the freezer. My favorite memory of picking strawberries is of my mom, a friend of hers and my husband and I were picking at a field in northern Michigan where one would be assigned a row to pick then pay for however many quarts one had at the end. My mom’s friend was picking happily in her row when she spotted the quintessential strawberry in the row next to her, reached over, snatched it, and popped it into her mouth before her next thought. That row had been assigned to a man who had started after we did and was a little further behind. Not so far behind that he didn’t see what she had done and raised a hue and cry.
Strawberries do seem more of a spring fruit to me than summer. For the taste of summer I turn to fresh produce. Green beans, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes fresh from my garden. Fruits of summer include watermelon and muskmelon. For a drink, it’s an Arnold Palmer (famous American golfer) made with half lemonade and half iced tea. Back to strawberries, one of my sisters lives near a farm that raises the Jewel strawberries which are very good so someone collects several flats (flat equals 8 quarts) when the berries are on so that the sisters all have some for Shortcake and some for the freezer. My favorite memory of picking strawberries is of my mom, a friend of hers and my husband and I were picking at a field in northern Michigan where one would be assigned a row to pick then pay for however many quarts one had at the end. My mom’s friend was picking happily in her row when she spotted the quintessential strawberry in the row next to her, reached over, snatched it, and popped it into her mouth before her next thought. That row had been assigned to a man who had started after we did and was a little further behind. Not so far behind that he didn’t see what she had done and raised a hue and cry.
Strawberries do seem more of a spring fruit to me than summer. For the taste of summer I turn to fresh produce. Green beans, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes fresh from my garden. Fruits of summer include watermelon and muskmelon. For a drink, it’s an Arnold Palmer (famous American golfer) made with half lemonade and half iced tea. Back to strawberries, one of my sisters lives near a farm that raises the Jewel strawberries which are very good so someone collects several flats (flat equals 8 quarts) when the berries are on so that the sisters all have some for Shortcake and some for the freezer. My favorite memory of picking strawberries is of my mom, a friend of hers and my husband and I were picking at a field in northern Michigan where one would be assigned a row to pick then pay for however many quarts one had at the end. My mom’s friend was picking happily in her row when she spotted the quintessential strawberry in the row next to her, reached over, snatched it, and popped it into her mouth before her next thought. That row had been assigned to a man who had started after we did and was a little further behind. Not so far behind that he didn’t see what she had done and raised a hue and cry.
Strawberries do seem more of a spring fruit to me than summer. For the taste of summer I turn to fresh produce. Green beans, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes fresh from my garden. Fruits of summer include watermelon and muskmelon. For a drink, it’s an Arnold Palmer (famous American golfer) made with half lemonade and half iced tea. Back to strawberries, one of my sisters lives near a farm that raises the Jewel strawberries which are very good so someone collects several flats (flat equals 8 quarts) when the berries are on so that the sisters all have some for Shortcake and some for the freezer. My favorite memory of picking strawberries is of my mom, a friend of hers and my husband and I were picking at a field in northern Michigan where one would be assigned a row to pick then pay for however many quarts one had at the end. My mom’s friend was picking happily in her row when she spotted the quintessential strawberry in the row next to her, reached over, snatched it, and popped it into her mouth before her next thought. That row had been assigned to a man who had started after we did and was a little further behind. Not so far behind that he didn’t see what she had done and raised a hue and cry.
Sue I would describe the shortcake part as being more like shortbread than cake.
Sue I would describe the shortcake part as being more like shortbread than cake.
Sue I would describe the shortcake part as being more like shortbread than cake.
Sue I would describe the shortcake part as being more like shortbread than cake.
Sue I would describe the shortcake part as being more like shortbread than cake.
This week’s posts have had me drooling! Thanks for a lovely/appetizing post, Nicola.
This week’s posts have had me drooling! Thanks for a lovely/appetizing post, Nicola.
This week’s posts have had me drooling! Thanks for a lovely/appetizing post, Nicola.
This week’s posts have had me drooling! Thanks for a lovely/appetizing post, Nicola.
This week’s posts have had me drooling! Thanks for a lovely/appetizing post, Nicola.
Yummy post, Nicola. To me, summer means ripe Maryland tomatoes, cold, sliced cross-ways, and eaten lightly salted on good toasted bread that’s lightly coated with mayo. Another summer go-to for me is gazpacho, for which I use a recipe from one of Life’s cookbooks. As for peaches- this is the time of year for them. I have 2 bowls full in my kitchen, ripening. Hint: when buying peaches – if the peaches have no scent, don’t bother buying them. But my absolute summer favorite is strawberries, washed, cut up, put in a bowl with a handful of brown sugar and a liberal dollop of whipped cream. This dessert was created for me by Juanito, a waiter in Puerto Rico, in the last century. I hope some of you try it. Enjoy!
Yummy post, Nicola. To me, summer means ripe Maryland tomatoes, cold, sliced cross-ways, and eaten lightly salted on good toasted bread that’s lightly coated with mayo. Another summer go-to for me is gazpacho, for which I use a recipe from one of Life’s cookbooks. As for peaches- this is the time of year for them. I have 2 bowls full in my kitchen, ripening. Hint: when buying peaches – if the peaches have no scent, don’t bother buying them. But my absolute summer favorite is strawberries, washed, cut up, put in a bowl with a handful of brown sugar and a liberal dollop of whipped cream. This dessert was created for me by Juanito, a waiter in Puerto Rico, in the last century. I hope some of you try it. Enjoy!
Yummy post, Nicola. To me, summer means ripe Maryland tomatoes, cold, sliced cross-ways, and eaten lightly salted on good toasted bread that’s lightly coated with mayo. Another summer go-to for me is gazpacho, for which I use a recipe from one of Life’s cookbooks. As for peaches- this is the time of year for them. I have 2 bowls full in my kitchen, ripening. Hint: when buying peaches – if the peaches have no scent, don’t bother buying them. But my absolute summer favorite is strawberries, washed, cut up, put in a bowl with a handful of brown sugar and a liberal dollop of whipped cream. This dessert was created for me by Juanito, a waiter in Puerto Rico, in the last century. I hope some of you try it. Enjoy!
Yummy post, Nicola. To me, summer means ripe Maryland tomatoes, cold, sliced cross-ways, and eaten lightly salted on good toasted bread that’s lightly coated with mayo. Another summer go-to for me is gazpacho, for which I use a recipe from one of Life’s cookbooks. As for peaches- this is the time of year for them. I have 2 bowls full in my kitchen, ripening. Hint: when buying peaches – if the peaches have no scent, don’t bother buying them. But my absolute summer favorite is strawberries, washed, cut up, put in a bowl with a handful of brown sugar and a liberal dollop of whipped cream. This dessert was created for me by Juanito, a waiter in Puerto Rico, in the last century. I hope some of you try it. Enjoy!
Yummy post, Nicola. To me, summer means ripe Maryland tomatoes, cold, sliced cross-ways, and eaten lightly salted on good toasted bread that’s lightly coated with mayo. Another summer go-to for me is gazpacho, for which I use a recipe from one of Life’s cookbooks. As for peaches- this is the time of year for them. I have 2 bowls full in my kitchen, ripening. Hint: when buying peaches – if the peaches have no scent, don’t bother buying them. But my absolute summer favorite is strawberries, washed, cut up, put in a bowl with a handful of brown sugar and a liberal dollop of whipped cream. This dessert was created for me by Juanito, a waiter in Puerto Rico, in the last century. I hope some of you try it. Enjoy!
Yes, you’re correct. That is what I was looking for.
Again, I apologize for pulling the thread somewhat away from strawberries. The misuse of the name obviously irritates me. But I do love Strawberries, especially in the form of Strawberry Shortcake.
Yes, you’re correct. That is what I was looking for.
Again, I apologize for pulling the thread somewhat away from strawberries. The misuse of the name obviously irritates me. But I do love Strawberries, especially in the form of Strawberry Shortcake.
Yes, you’re correct. That is what I was looking for.
Again, I apologize for pulling the thread somewhat away from strawberries. The misuse of the name obviously irritates me. But I do love Strawberries, especially in the form of Strawberry Shortcake.
Yes, you’re correct. That is what I was looking for.
Again, I apologize for pulling the thread somewhat away from strawberries. The misuse of the name obviously irritates me. But I do love Strawberries, especially in the form of Strawberry Shortcake.
Yes, you’re correct. That is what I was looking for.
Again, I apologize for pulling the thread somewhat away from strawberries. The misuse of the name obviously irritates me. But I do love Strawberries, especially in the form of Strawberry Shortcake.
Mary Jo, raspberries are my all time favourite summer fruit!
Mary Jo, raspberries are my all time favourite summer fruit!
Mary Jo, raspberries are my all time favourite summer fruit!
Mary Jo, raspberries are my all time favourite summer fruit!
Mary Jo, raspberries are my all time favourite summer fruit!
How absolutely lovely, Minna! I bet they were irresistible to the birds.
How absolutely lovely, Minna! I bet they were irresistible to the birds.
How absolutely lovely, Minna! I bet they were irresistible to the birds.
How absolutely lovely, Minna! I bet they were irresistible to the birds.
How absolutely lovely, Minna! I bet they were irresistible to the birds.
Sue, we’re all very happy to celebrate strawberries in all their forms including strawberry shortcake! I found this very interesting because US and British usage for things like biscuits varies such a lot I always learn something new.
Sue, we’re all very happy to celebrate strawberries in all their forms including strawberry shortcake! I found this very interesting because US and British usage for things like biscuits varies such a lot I always learn something new.
Sue, we’re all very happy to celebrate strawberries in all their forms including strawberry shortcake! I found this very interesting because US and British usage for things like biscuits varies such a lot I always learn something new.
Sue, we’re all very happy to celebrate strawberries in all their forms including strawberry shortcake! I found this very interesting because US and British usage for things like biscuits varies such a lot I always learn something new.
Sue, we’re all very happy to celebrate strawberries in all their forms including strawberry shortcake! I found this very interesting because US and British usage for things like biscuits varies such a lot I always learn something new.
Oh, Jeanette, you make me want to go out and have a picnic with all those delicious fruits and salad vegetables! How lovely. And the story about your Mom’s friend snatching the perfect strawberry is wonderful!
Oh, Jeanette, you make me want to go out and have a picnic with all those delicious fruits and salad vegetables! How lovely. And the story about your Mom’s friend snatching the perfect strawberry is wonderful!
Oh, Jeanette, you make me want to go out and have a picnic with all those delicious fruits and salad vegetables! How lovely. And the story about your Mom’s friend snatching the perfect strawberry is wonderful!
Oh, Jeanette, you make me want to go out and have a picnic with all those delicious fruits and salad vegetables! How lovely. And the story about your Mom’s friend snatching the perfect strawberry is wonderful!
Oh, Jeanette, you make me want to go out and have a picnic with all those delicious fruits and salad vegetables! How lovely. And the story about your Mom’s friend snatching the perfect strawberry is wonderful!
You are welcome, Kareni – I am so glad you liked them! The replies are making me quite hungry too.
You are welcome, Kareni – I am so glad you liked them! The replies are making me quite hungry too.
You are welcome, Kareni – I am so glad you liked them! The replies are making me quite hungry too.
You are welcome, Kareni – I am so glad you liked them! The replies are making me quite hungry too.
You are welcome, Kareni – I am so glad you liked them! The replies are making me quite hungry too.
Ooh, I love gazpacho and tomatoes in general! Thank you for the tip about peaches as well. Some of the commercially grown fruit (and vegetables) here are disappointing in terms of flavour, usually when they have no scent.
I’m rushing out to try the strawberries with brown sugar and whipped cream. What a treat!
Ooh, I love gazpacho and tomatoes in general! Thank you for the tip about peaches as well. Some of the commercially grown fruit (and vegetables) here are disappointing in terms of flavour, usually when they have no scent.
I’m rushing out to try the strawberries with brown sugar and whipped cream. What a treat!
Ooh, I love gazpacho and tomatoes in general! Thank you for the tip about peaches as well. Some of the commercially grown fruit (and vegetables) here are disappointing in terms of flavour, usually when they have no scent.
I’m rushing out to try the strawberries with brown sugar and whipped cream. What a treat!
Ooh, I love gazpacho and tomatoes in general! Thank you for the tip about peaches as well. Some of the commercially grown fruit (and vegetables) here are disappointing in terms of flavour, usually when they have no scent.
I’m rushing out to try the strawberries with brown sugar and whipped cream. What a treat!
Ooh, I love gazpacho and tomatoes in general! Thank you for the tip about peaches as well. Some of the commercially grown fruit (and vegetables) here are disappointing in terms of flavour, usually when they have no scent.
I’m rushing out to try the strawberries with brown sugar and whipped cream. What a treat!
Oh, they were irresistible, all right. Just like red currants and black currants. Though when it comes to black currants, fieldfares have actually managed to spread the black currant bushes here and there. Still, where is a hen harrier when you need one?
Oh, they were irresistible, all right. Just like red currants and black currants. Though when it comes to black currants, fieldfares have actually managed to spread the black currant bushes here and there. Still, where is a hen harrier when you need one?
Oh, they were irresistible, all right. Just like red currants and black currants. Though when it comes to black currants, fieldfares have actually managed to spread the black currant bushes here and there. Still, where is a hen harrier when you need one?
Oh, they were irresistible, all right. Just like red currants and black currants. Though when it comes to black currants, fieldfares have actually managed to spread the black currant bushes here and there. Still, where is a hen harrier when you need one?
Oh, they were irresistible, all right. Just like red currants and black currants. Though when it comes to black currants, fieldfares have actually managed to spread the black currant bushes here and there. Still, where is a hen harrier when you need one?
While I never thought of strawberries as humble, I had no idea of their illustrious history – great post, Nicola! About 10 years ago, I paid $1 USD at a DIY store for a box that included a wire Hanging basket form, some straw matting, some potting soil, and several small strawberry plants – yes, they were enclosed in the box! I took it home with little hope that I’d ever see a strawberry, but followed instructions, created the hanging basket, and a few months later, we were harvesting berries from the basket! The following year, strawberry plants appeared on the ground under the basket, and they have continued to prosper. We let the squirrels have the berries growing on the ground – and so far, they’ve let us have the ones hanging from the basket.
My favorite way to eat them has changed. Growing up, it was definitely Strawberry Shortcake, and I’m with Sue on what’s required for the base! But a few years ago, we were served strawberries sprinkled with really good balsamic vinegar—it was a revelation! Somehow, the vinegar intensifies the essence of strawberry and creates the perfect way to end an early summer meal. And now I must try them with pepper, too!
While I never thought of strawberries as humble, I had no idea of their illustrious history – great post, Nicola! About 10 years ago, I paid $1 USD at a DIY store for a box that included a wire Hanging basket form, some straw matting, some potting soil, and several small strawberry plants – yes, they were enclosed in the box! I took it home with little hope that I’d ever see a strawberry, but followed instructions, created the hanging basket, and a few months later, we were harvesting berries from the basket! The following year, strawberry plants appeared on the ground under the basket, and they have continued to prosper. We let the squirrels have the berries growing on the ground – and so far, they’ve let us have the ones hanging from the basket.
My favorite way to eat them has changed. Growing up, it was definitely Strawberry Shortcake, and I’m with Sue on what’s required for the base! But a few years ago, we were served strawberries sprinkled with really good balsamic vinegar—it was a revelation! Somehow, the vinegar intensifies the essence of strawberry and creates the perfect way to end an early summer meal. And now I must try them with pepper, too!
While I never thought of strawberries as humble, I had no idea of their illustrious history – great post, Nicola! About 10 years ago, I paid $1 USD at a DIY store for a box that included a wire Hanging basket form, some straw matting, some potting soil, and several small strawberry plants – yes, they were enclosed in the box! I took it home with little hope that I’d ever see a strawberry, but followed instructions, created the hanging basket, and a few months later, we were harvesting berries from the basket! The following year, strawberry plants appeared on the ground under the basket, and they have continued to prosper. We let the squirrels have the berries growing on the ground – and so far, they’ve let us have the ones hanging from the basket.
My favorite way to eat them has changed. Growing up, it was definitely Strawberry Shortcake, and I’m with Sue on what’s required for the base! But a few years ago, we were served strawberries sprinkled with really good balsamic vinegar—it was a revelation! Somehow, the vinegar intensifies the essence of strawberry and creates the perfect way to end an early summer meal. And now I must try them with pepper, too!
While I never thought of strawberries as humble, I had no idea of their illustrious history – great post, Nicola! About 10 years ago, I paid $1 USD at a DIY store for a box that included a wire Hanging basket form, some straw matting, some potting soil, and several small strawberry plants – yes, they were enclosed in the box! I took it home with little hope that I’d ever see a strawberry, but followed instructions, created the hanging basket, and a few months later, we were harvesting berries from the basket! The following year, strawberry plants appeared on the ground under the basket, and they have continued to prosper. We let the squirrels have the berries growing on the ground – and so far, they’ve let us have the ones hanging from the basket.
My favorite way to eat them has changed. Growing up, it was definitely Strawberry Shortcake, and I’m with Sue on what’s required for the base! But a few years ago, we were served strawberries sprinkled with really good balsamic vinegar—it was a revelation! Somehow, the vinegar intensifies the essence of strawberry and creates the perfect way to end an early summer meal. And now I must try them with pepper, too!
While I never thought of strawberries as humble, I had no idea of their illustrious history – great post, Nicola! About 10 years ago, I paid $1 USD at a DIY store for a box that included a wire Hanging basket form, some straw matting, some potting soil, and several small strawberry plants – yes, they were enclosed in the box! I took it home with little hope that I’d ever see a strawberry, but followed instructions, created the hanging basket, and a few months later, we were harvesting berries from the basket! The following year, strawberry plants appeared on the ground under the basket, and they have continued to prosper. We let the squirrels have the berries growing on the ground – and so far, they’ve let us have the ones hanging from the basket.
My favorite way to eat them has changed. Growing up, it was definitely Strawberry Shortcake, and I’m with Sue on what’s required for the base! But a few years ago, we were served strawberries sprinkled with really good balsamic vinegar—it was a revelation! Somehow, the vinegar intensifies the essence of strawberry and creates the perfect way to end an early summer meal. And now I must try them with pepper, too!
I live in Texas, and our strawberry season starts very early….which is a good thing for me.
I love them.
I once had a strawberry patch out back in the yard – and I was picking all the ripe berries….suddenly I noticed two eyes looking up at me from the dirt. Where I live there can be snakes. Rattle snakes. After my heart started again, I realized it was a toad who was cooling himself in the cool dirt. Little did he know he had nearly been stomped to death. And his eardrums could have been damaged too.
But, summer is watermelon season to me. That is what everyone should have during the summer – cold out of a big tub of ice water – at a picnic – right after you finish all of the fried chicken you can hold. And of course you have just said “I couldn’t eat another bite.” There is always room for a good watermelon.
I live in Texas, and our strawberry season starts very early….which is a good thing for me.
I love them.
I once had a strawberry patch out back in the yard – and I was picking all the ripe berries….suddenly I noticed two eyes looking up at me from the dirt. Where I live there can be snakes. Rattle snakes. After my heart started again, I realized it was a toad who was cooling himself in the cool dirt. Little did he know he had nearly been stomped to death. And his eardrums could have been damaged too.
But, summer is watermelon season to me. That is what everyone should have during the summer – cold out of a big tub of ice water – at a picnic – right after you finish all of the fried chicken you can hold. And of course you have just said “I couldn’t eat another bite.” There is always room for a good watermelon.
I live in Texas, and our strawberry season starts very early….which is a good thing for me.
I love them.
I once had a strawberry patch out back in the yard – and I was picking all the ripe berries….suddenly I noticed two eyes looking up at me from the dirt. Where I live there can be snakes. Rattle snakes. After my heart started again, I realized it was a toad who was cooling himself in the cool dirt. Little did he know he had nearly been stomped to death. And his eardrums could have been damaged too.
But, summer is watermelon season to me. That is what everyone should have during the summer – cold out of a big tub of ice water – at a picnic – right after you finish all of the fried chicken you can hold. And of course you have just said “I couldn’t eat another bite.” There is always room for a good watermelon.
I live in Texas, and our strawberry season starts very early….which is a good thing for me.
I love them.
I once had a strawberry patch out back in the yard – and I was picking all the ripe berries….suddenly I noticed two eyes looking up at me from the dirt. Where I live there can be snakes. Rattle snakes. After my heart started again, I realized it was a toad who was cooling himself in the cool dirt. Little did he know he had nearly been stomped to death. And his eardrums could have been damaged too.
But, summer is watermelon season to me. That is what everyone should have during the summer – cold out of a big tub of ice water – at a picnic – right after you finish all of the fried chicken you can hold. And of course you have just said “I couldn’t eat another bite.” There is always room for a good watermelon.
I live in Texas, and our strawberry season starts very early….which is a good thing for me.
I love them.
I once had a strawberry patch out back in the yard – and I was picking all the ripe berries….suddenly I noticed two eyes looking up at me from the dirt. Where I live there can be snakes. Rattle snakes. After my heart started again, I realized it was a toad who was cooling himself in the cool dirt. Little did he know he had nearly been stomped to death. And his eardrums could have been damaged too.
But, summer is watermelon season to me. That is what everyone should have during the summer – cold out of a big tub of ice water – at a picnic – right after you finish all of the fried chicken you can hold. And of course you have just said “I couldn’t eat another bite.” There is always room for a good watermelon.
One of the more frustrating things about our lockdown has been the absence of local strawberries—that heavenly June treat. Real strawberries are nothing like the tasteless version that turns up in the supermarket.
One of the more frustrating things about our lockdown has been the absence of local strawberries—that heavenly June treat. Real strawberries are nothing like the tasteless version that turns up in the supermarket.
One of the more frustrating things about our lockdown has been the absence of local strawberries—that heavenly June treat. Real strawberries are nothing like the tasteless version that turns up in the supermarket.
One of the more frustrating things about our lockdown has been the absence of local strawberries—that heavenly June treat. Real strawberries are nothing like the tasteless version that turns up in the supermarket.
One of the more frustrating things about our lockdown has been the absence of local strawberries—that heavenly June treat. Real strawberries are nothing like the tasteless version that turns up in the supermarket.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, Constance. What a lovely story about your strawberry box! They must be tenacious little things and I’m so glad they have thrived. I’d never thought to try strawberries with balsamic vinegar. I must give that a go!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, Constance. What a lovely story about your strawberry box! They must be tenacious little things and I’m so glad they have thrived. I’d never thought to try strawberries with balsamic vinegar. I must give that a go!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, Constance. What a lovely story about your strawberry box! They must be tenacious little things and I’m so glad they have thrived. I’d never thought to try strawberries with balsamic vinegar. I must give that a go!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, Constance. What a lovely story about your strawberry box! They must be tenacious little things and I’m so glad they have thrived. I’d never thought to try strawberries with balsamic vinegar. I must give that a go!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, Constance. What a lovely story about your strawberry box! They must be tenacious little things and I’m so glad they have thrived. I’d never thought to try strawberries with balsamic vinegar. I must give that a go!
Yikes, Annette, that’s a scary story about the toad! I’m so glad it wasn’t a snake – and that you realised in time!
We’re having watermelon sorbet this evening! I love the thought of serving it after fried chicken…
Yikes, Annette, that’s a scary story about the toad! I’m so glad it wasn’t a snake – and that you realised in time!
We’re having watermelon sorbet this evening! I love the thought of serving it after fried chicken…
Yikes, Annette, that’s a scary story about the toad! I’m so glad it wasn’t a snake – and that you realised in time!
We’re having watermelon sorbet this evening! I love the thought of serving it after fried chicken…
Yikes, Annette, that’s a scary story about the toad! I’m so glad it wasn’t a snake – and that you realised in time!
We’re having watermelon sorbet this evening! I love the thought of serving it after fried chicken…
Yikes, Annette, that’s a scary story about the toad! I’m so glad it wasn’t a snake – and that you realised in time!
We’re having watermelon sorbet this evening! I love the thought of serving it after fried chicken…
That’s the trouble, isn’t it, Lil. Sometimes the fruit in the supermarket looks so delicious and then it has no flavour at all!
That’s the trouble, isn’t it, Lil. Sometimes the fruit in the supermarket looks so delicious and then it has no flavour at all!
That’s the trouble, isn’t it, Lil. Sometimes the fruit in the supermarket looks so delicious and then it has no flavour at all!
That’s the trouble, isn’t it, Lil. Sometimes the fruit in the supermarket looks so delicious and then it has no flavour at all!
That’s the trouble, isn’t it, Lil. Sometimes the fruit in the supermarket looks so delicious and then it has no flavour at all!
I love all berries, but to me June is the month for strawberries. I think you lose a lot when you cook them so I like them just sliced in a strawberry shortcake, or in a fresh fruit tart. Later in the summer I look forward to wild blueberries, which are much easier to find and pick, and Jersey tomatoes, which are the best!
I love all berries, but to me June is the month for strawberries. I think you lose a lot when you cook them so I like them just sliced in a strawberry shortcake, or in a fresh fruit tart. Later in the summer I look forward to wild blueberries, which are much easier to find and pick, and Jersey tomatoes, which are the best!
I love all berries, but to me June is the month for strawberries. I think you lose a lot when you cook them so I like them just sliced in a strawberry shortcake, or in a fresh fruit tart. Later in the summer I look forward to wild blueberries, which are much easier to find and pick, and Jersey tomatoes, which are the best!
I love all berries, but to me June is the month for strawberries. I think you lose a lot when you cook them so I like them just sliced in a strawberry shortcake, or in a fresh fruit tart. Later in the summer I look forward to wild blueberries, which are much easier to find and pick, and Jersey tomatoes, which are the best!
I love all berries, but to me June is the month for strawberries. I think you lose a lot when you cook them so I like them just sliced in a strawberry shortcake, or in a fresh fruit tart. Later in the summer I look forward to wild blueberries, which are much easier to find and pick, and Jersey tomatoes, which are the best!
I love strawberries, but to me blackberries are the taste of summer. However, I live not far from a very small community named Fragaria after the strawberries that grew there!
I love strawberries, but to me blackberries are the taste of summer. However, I live not far from a very small community named Fragaria after the strawberries that grew there!
I love strawberries, but to me blackberries are the taste of summer. However, I live not far from a very small community named Fragaria after the strawberries that grew there!
I love strawberries, but to me blackberries are the taste of summer. However, I live not far from a very small community named Fragaria after the strawberries that grew there!
I love strawberries, but to me blackberries are the taste of summer. However, I live not far from a very small community named Fragaria after the strawberries that grew there!
Here in Georgia, Strawberries are an April berry. By the end of May they are gone, gone, gone. It was fun figuring out where posters are based on when they say strawberries are ripe locally.
I’m totally with Sue – Strawberry shortcake ie sweetened biscuits. THE BEST THING EVER….I actually developed a strawberry allergy because living by myself if I made it I had to eat it all.. Breakfast. Lunch Supper. And I had two containers of strawberries. So…3 days of strawberry shortcake. My face swelled up like I had mumps. Oops.
I only indulge in strawberry shortcake about twice a year now. Sigh… Luckily I don’t swell up as much!
Watermelon and peaches….yes pure delicious tastes of summer. Watermelon when you come in from working outside in 90degree heat. So so refreshing. Blackberry cobbler or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream…oh yes yes yes!! Homemade Peach ice cream…yumm..
Growing up we’d go into the fields and roadsides to pick blackberries to make jam and use in the cobblers.
Totally agree smelling the peaches is essential. BUT mask wearing prevents that…especially if you are wearing a homemade mask that still has a faint bit of detergent smell in it. Plus the feel of the peach is important. BUT now good etiquette at the store is you touch, you buy. So it is even more of a gamble of what you end up with when you get home peach wise!
Here in Georgia, Strawberries are an April berry. By the end of May they are gone, gone, gone. It was fun figuring out where posters are based on when they say strawberries are ripe locally.
I’m totally with Sue – Strawberry shortcake ie sweetened biscuits. THE BEST THING EVER….I actually developed a strawberry allergy because living by myself if I made it I had to eat it all.. Breakfast. Lunch Supper. And I had two containers of strawberries. So…3 days of strawberry shortcake. My face swelled up like I had mumps. Oops.
I only indulge in strawberry shortcake about twice a year now. Sigh… Luckily I don’t swell up as much!
Watermelon and peaches….yes pure delicious tastes of summer. Watermelon when you come in from working outside in 90degree heat. So so refreshing. Blackberry cobbler or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream…oh yes yes yes!! Homemade Peach ice cream…yumm..
Growing up we’d go into the fields and roadsides to pick blackberries to make jam and use in the cobblers.
Totally agree smelling the peaches is essential. BUT mask wearing prevents that…especially if you are wearing a homemade mask that still has a faint bit of detergent smell in it. Plus the feel of the peach is important. BUT now good etiquette at the store is you touch, you buy. So it is even more of a gamble of what you end up with when you get home peach wise!
Here in Georgia, Strawberries are an April berry. By the end of May they are gone, gone, gone. It was fun figuring out where posters are based on when they say strawberries are ripe locally.
I’m totally with Sue – Strawberry shortcake ie sweetened biscuits. THE BEST THING EVER….I actually developed a strawberry allergy because living by myself if I made it I had to eat it all.. Breakfast. Lunch Supper. And I had two containers of strawberries. So…3 days of strawberry shortcake. My face swelled up like I had mumps. Oops.
I only indulge in strawberry shortcake about twice a year now. Sigh… Luckily I don’t swell up as much!
Watermelon and peaches….yes pure delicious tastes of summer. Watermelon when you come in from working outside in 90degree heat. So so refreshing. Blackberry cobbler or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream…oh yes yes yes!! Homemade Peach ice cream…yumm..
Growing up we’d go into the fields and roadsides to pick blackberries to make jam and use in the cobblers.
Totally agree smelling the peaches is essential. BUT mask wearing prevents that…especially if you are wearing a homemade mask that still has a faint bit of detergent smell in it. Plus the feel of the peach is important. BUT now good etiquette at the store is you touch, you buy. So it is even more of a gamble of what you end up with when you get home peach wise!
Here in Georgia, Strawberries are an April berry. By the end of May they are gone, gone, gone. It was fun figuring out where posters are based on when they say strawberries are ripe locally.
I’m totally with Sue – Strawberry shortcake ie sweetened biscuits. THE BEST THING EVER….I actually developed a strawberry allergy because living by myself if I made it I had to eat it all.. Breakfast. Lunch Supper. And I had two containers of strawberries. So…3 days of strawberry shortcake. My face swelled up like I had mumps. Oops.
I only indulge in strawberry shortcake about twice a year now. Sigh… Luckily I don’t swell up as much!
Watermelon and peaches….yes pure delicious tastes of summer. Watermelon when you come in from working outside in 90degree heat. So so refreshing. Blackberry cobbler or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream…oh yes yes yes!! Homemade Peach ice cream…yumm..
Growing up we’d go into the fields and roadsides to pick blackberries to make jam and use in the cobblers.
Totally agree smelling the peaches is essential. BUT mask wearing prevents that…especially if you are wearing a homemade mask that still has a faint bit of detergent smell in it. Plus the feel of the peach is important. BUT now good etiquette at the store is you touch, you buy. So it is even more of a gamble of what you end up with when you get home peach wise!
Here in Georgia, Strawberries are an April berry. By the end of May they are gone, gone, gone. It was fun figuring out where posters are based on when they say strawberries are ripe locally.
I’m totally with Sue – Strawberry shortcake ie sweetened biscuits. THE BEST THING EVER….I actually developed a strawberry allergy because living by myself if I made it I had to eat it all.. Breakfast. Lunch Supper. And I had two containers of strawberries. So…3 days of strawberry shortcake. My face swelled up like I had mumps. Oops.
I only indulge in strawberry shortcake about twice a year now. Sigh… Luckily I don’t swell up as much!
Watermelon and peaches….yes pure delicious tastes of summer. Watermelon when you come in from working outside in 90degree heat. So so refreshing. Blackberry cobbler or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream…oh yes yes yes!! Homemade Peach ice cream…yumm..
Growing up we’d go into the fields and roadsides to pick blackberries to make jam and use in the cobblers.
Totally agree smelling the peaches is essential. BUT mask wearing prevents that…especially if you are wearing a homemade mask that still has a faint bit of detergent smell in it. Plus the feel of the peach is important. BUT now good etiquette at the store is you touch, you buy. So it is even more of a gamble of what you end up with when you get home peach wise!
Strawberrys on top of a creammed cheesecake is the best treat you can give yourself!
Strawberrys on top of a creammed cheesecake is the best treat you can give yourself!
Strawberrys on top of a creammed cheesecake is the best treat you can give yourself!
Strawberrys on top of a creammed cheesecake is the best treat you can give yourself!
Strawberrys on top of a creammed cheesecake is the best treat you can give yourself!
I love strawberries and cream and totally exasperated my aunt when she kindly took me to Wimbledon one year. I was more interested in eating strawberries than watching the tennis! But if I have a choice I prefer raspberries (also with cream). I just love the delicate flavour. Wild strawberries are also wonderful – we have some in the garden but I have to fight the birds for them 🙂
I love strawberries and cream and totally exasperated my aunt when she kindly took me to Wimbledon one year. I was more interested in eating strawberries than watching the tennis! But if I have a choice I prefer raspberries (also with cream). I just love the delicate flavour. Wild strawberries are also wonderful – we have some in the garden but I have to fight the birds for them 🙂
I love strawberries and cream and totally exasperated my aunt when she kindly took me to Wimbledon one year. I was more interested in eating strawberries than watching the tennis! But if I have a choice I prefer raspberries (also with cream). I just love the delicate flavour. Wild strawberries are also wonderful – we have some in the garden but I have to fight the birds for them 🙂
I love strawberries and cream and totally exasperated my aunt when she kindly took me to Wimbledon one year. I was more interested in eating strawberries than watching the tennis! But if I have a choice I prefer raspberries (also with cream). I just love the delicate flavour. Wild strawberries are also wonderful – we have some in the garden but I have to fight the birds for them 🙂
I love strawberries and cream and totally exasperated my aunt when she kindly took me to Wimbledon one year. I was more interested in eating strawberries than watching the tennis! But if I have a choice I prefer raspberries (also with cream). I just love the delicate flavour. Wild strawberries are also wonderful – we have some in the garden but I have to fight the birds for them 🙂
Hi Karin
I’m hearing a lot of love for the strawberry shortcake! Like you I enjoy blueberries very much, and the tiny tomatoes that are so flavoursome!
Hi Karin
I’m hearing a lot of love for the strawberry shortcake! Like you I enjoy blueberries very much, and the tiny tomatoes that are so flavoursome!
Hi Karin
I’m hearing a lot of love for the strawberry shortcake! Like you I enjoy blueberries very much, and the tiny tomatoes that are so flavoursome!
Hi Karin
I’m hearing a lot of love for the strawberry shortcake! Like you I enjoy blueberries very much, and the tiny tomatoes that are so flavoursome!
Hi Karin
I’m hearing a lot of love for the strawberry shortcake! Like you I enjoy blueberries very much, and the tiny tomatoes that are so flavoursome!
Wow! That’s amazing, Jane. I love that there is a place named after the strawberry! Thank you for the shout out for blackberries too. They are the taste of autumn here and very good too!
Wow! That’s amazing, Jane. I love that there is a place named after the strawberry! Thank you for the shout out for blackberries too. They are the taste of autumn here and very good too!
Wow! That’s amazing, Jane. I love that there is a place named after the strawberry! Thank you for the shout out for blackberries too. They are the taste of autumn here and very good too!
Wow! That’s amazing, Jane. I love that there is a place named after the strawberry! Thank you for the shout out for blackberries too. They are the taste of autumn here and very good too!
Wow! That’s amazing, Jane. I love that there is a place named after the strawberry! Thank you for the shout out for blackberries too. They are the taste of autumn here and very good too!
Vicki, you are right, it’s fascinating seeing how the strawberry pinpoints the different places people are from. We should do a strawberry map! I was really surprised to find out that your strawberries were spring fruits!
That’s a great story about the strawberry shortcake diet although probably not as funny for you at the time.
My mouth is watering with the peach and blackberry recipes. It is tricky with masks though and with the “no touch” rule!
Vicki, you are right, it’s fascinating seeing how the strawberry pinpoints the different places people are from. We should do a strawberry map! I was really surprised to find out that your strawberries were spring fruits!
That’s a great story about the strawberry shortcake diet although probably not as funny for you at the time.
My mouth is watering with the peach and blackberry recipes. It is tricky with masks though and with the “no touch” rule!
Vicki, you are right, it’s fascinating seeing how the strawberry pinpoints the different places people are from. We should do a strawberry map! I was really surprised to find out that your strawberries were spring fruits!
That’s a great story about the strawberry shortcake diet although probably not as funny for you at the time.
My mouth is watering with the peach and blackberry recipes. It is tricky with masks though and with the “no touch” rule!
Vicki, you are right, it’s fascinating seeing how the strawberry pinpoints the different places people are from. We should do a strawberry map! I was really surprised to find out that your strawberries were spring fruits!
That’s a great story about the strawberry shortcake diet although probably not as funny for you at the time.
My mouth is watering with the peach and blackberry recipes. It is tricky with masks though and with the “no touch” rule!
Vicki, you are right, it’s fascinating seeing how the strawberry pinpoints the different places people are from. We should do a strawberry map! I was really surprised to find out that your strawberries were spring fruits!
That’s a great story about the strawberry shortcake diet although probably not as funny for you at the time.
My mouth is watering with the peach and blackberry recipes. It is tricky with masks though and with the “no touch” rule!
Strawberry cheesecake! Yes!
Strawberry cheesecake! Yes!
Strawberry cheesecake! Yes!
Strawberry cheesecake! Yes!
Strawberry cheesecake! Yes!
Haha, that’s a lovely story about Wimbledon, Christina! I’m with you on the raspberries – for me they just have the edge over strawberries although I wouldn’t turn a delicious strawberry down!
Haha, that’s a lovely story about Wimbledon, Christina! I’m with you on the raspberries – for me they just have the edge over strawberries although I wouldn’t turn a delicious strawberry down!
Haha, that’s a lovely story about Wimbledon, Christina! I’m with you on the raspberries – for me they just have the edge over strawberries although I wouldn’t turn a delicious strawberry down!
Haha, that’s a lovely story about Wimbledon, Christina! I’m with you on the raspberries – for me they just have the edge over strawberries although I wouldn’t turn a delicious strawberry down!
Haha, that’s a lovely story about Wimbledon, Christina! I’m with you on the raspberries – for me they just have the edge over strawberries although I wouldn’t turn a delicious strawberry down!
If I remember right, strawberries are available in the fields in late December and Jan/Feb in Miami, Florida. I have a vague memory of my mom buying them when we’d be down there at Christmas to see my grandparents.
Blackberries are definitely a mid June to mid July crop here.
If I remember right, strawberries are available in the fields in late December and Jan/Feb in Miami, Florida. I have a vague memory of my mom buying them when we’d be down there at Christmas to see my grandparents.
Blackberries are definitely a mid June to mid July crop here.
If I remember right, strawberries are available in the fields in late December and Jan/Feb in Miami, Florida. I have a vague memory of my mom buying them when we’d be down there at Christmas to see my grandparents.
Blackberries are definitely a mid June to mid July crop here.
If I remember right, strawberries are available in the fields in late December and Jan/Feb in Miami, Florida. I have a vague memory of my mom buying them when we’d be down there at Christmas to see my grandparents.
Blackberries are definitely a mid June to mid July crop here.
If I remember right, strawberries are available in the fields in late December and Jan/Feb in Miami, Florida. I have a vague memory of my mom buying them when we’d be down there at Christmas to see my grandparents.
Blackberries are definitely a mid June to mid July crop here.
That’s amazing! Strawberries as a winter fruit. I love this insight into seasonal fruit we’re getting!
That’s amazing! Strawberries as a winter fruit. I love this insight into seasonal fruit we’re getting!
That’s amazing! Strawberries as a winter fruit. I love this insight into seasonal fruit we’re getting!
That’s amazing! Strawberries as a winter fruit. I love this insight into seasonal fruit we’re getting!
That’s amazing! Strawberries as a winter fruit. I love this insight into seasonal fruit we’re getting!