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MonMay 20

National Pick Strawberries Day – May 20, 2024

National Pick Strawberries Day falls on May 20. Strawberries are a summer fruit that is loved and cherished by many for the nostalgia of sunny days it brings. More than half the children in the U.S. go to pick strawberries from special farming and gardening areas around this time. A fun activity in itself, strawberry picking allows for quality time to be spent with nature and loved ones. Moreover, strawberries offer amazing nutritional value. These red berries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, etc. As if these qualities weren’t enough, the tasty fruit is also a cousin of the beautiful rose plant. Now that’s beauty on the inside and out, if you ask us.

History of National Pick Strawberries Day

While there’s no record of when the first National Pick Strawberries Day was celebrated, the history of the activity and the fruit goes way back. In ancient times, wild strawberries were used mainly for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. There are mentions of the fruit in Roman records that date to the first century A.D. In other centuries, the wonders of the fruit were also proclaimed in literary texts, and one prominent example includes the words of William Butler, a 16th-century writer/poet, who said, “Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did”. The great properties of strawberries have also led to other historical figures using them. Madame Tallien, a renowned figure from the French revolution, took baths in tubs full of strawberries to keep her skin glowing and radiant. Another example is of Fontenelle, a centenarian writer from the 18th century, credited his long and healthy life to his strawberry consumption.

As time went by, strawberries started being cultivated for mass consumption, with the first instance taking place in the 13th century. Initially, strawberries were only found in North and South America. However, globalization led to the fruit traveling great distances into other continents. After several failed attempts to grow the plant in France, the French horticulturalists finally succeeded in their endeavors in the 1750s. The resulting strawberry variety from the 1750s is one of the most produced varieties today. Strawberries are not only enjoyed by humans for their great taste and nutrients but are also used by bees for their nectar and pollination.

National Pick Strawberries Day timeline

14th century
Strawberries and Cream

Thomas Wolsey, an English archbishop from King Henry VII’s reign, creates the iconic strawberries and cream combination.

15th century
European Monks’ Strawberry Usage

European monks use wild strawberries in their illuminated manuscripts.

18th century
French and Chilean Strawberry

French travelers to Chile bring the strawberry plant in contact with female flowers that in turn lead to the production of the common strawberries today.

2020
U.S. and China Strawberry Producers

The U.S. and China produce about 20% and 40%, respectively, of the strawberries in the world.

National Pick Strawberries Day FAQs

What month is best for strawberry picking?

Strawberries can be picked anytime between late April to mid-May and June. 

Is there a National Strawberry Day?

National Strawberry Day falls on February 27 every year.

How do you know a strawberry is ripe?

At least three-quarters of a ripe strawberry should be red instead of green or white. Furthermore, a ripe strawberry will feel soft, and will gently give when squeezed. 

How To Celebrate National Pick A Strawberry Day

  1. Go strawberry picking

    Make a day out of it and go strawberry picking. You can get together with your friends and family for the activity. Not only will it be fun, but it will also make you appreciate the fruit and nature in general.

  2. Plant a strawberry plant

    Give your green thumb a chance by trying your hand at planting and tending to a strawberry plant. Strawberries, unfortunately, are one of the fruits that you will always find on a list of fruits with high pesticide concentrations. By growing it yourself, you will have organic and much healthier strawberries on your hands.

  3. Try out strawberry recipes

    Strawberries are loved worldwide. You will find a number of recipes that incorporate the fruit. You can also use the fruit for skincare and scented candles. Is there anything strawberries can’t do? We don’t think so.

5 Facts About Strawberries That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Americans eat a lot of it

    Annually, Americans consume three-and-a-half pounds of strawberries on average!

  2. Rose fruits

    Strawberries are members of the rose family.

  3. The seeds are considered fruit

    Strawberries have about 200 seeds on average, and botanists consider each seed to be its own individual fruit.

  4. They come in all kinds of colors

    You don't only get red strawberries, but blue, white, yellow, black, and purple ones, too!

  5. They're high in vitamin C

    Strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges.

Why We Love National Pick Strawberries Day

  1. It’s a celebration of quality time

    Going to pick strawberries allows for a much-needed quality time spent with loved ones and nature. It also allows for a breather from our hectic lives. And at the end of the day, you get to devour the beautiful and tasty strawberries that you spent time picking.

  2. It’s a celebration of summer times

    From the cold winter to the cool springtime, and then to balmy, warm summers, the sunny weather brings with it great outdoor activities. While you can always get strawberries pre-packaged and ready to eat from your local supermarkets, those hand-picked warm strawberries just taste so much better.

  3. It’s a celebration of strawberries

    Strawberries have much to offer in terms of their taste, scent, and nutritional values. This is why it has been celebrated and used for centuries now.

National Pick Strawberries Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 20Monday
2025May 20Tuesday
2026May 20Wednesday
2027May 20Thursday
2028May 20Saturday

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