They have long been revered in human culture, symbolizing love, purity, and health. From ancient times to present day, poets and musicians have sung their praises. There is even an entire holiday dedicated to their celebration. With their springtime arrival, the anticipation for one of the world’s most anticipated harvests reaches a fevered pitch.

To what could I possibly be referring? Strawberries, of course!

Strawberries are a delightful symbol of spring – representing renewal, freshness, and the arrival of warmer weather. Their early ripening makes them one of the first fruits to grace our tables after the winter months. The berries’ vibrant red color and sweet, juicy flavor bring a burst of color to our plates, inviting us to indulge in nature’s bounty after the recent winter chill.

Although the exact origins of cultivated strawberries remain uncertain, we do know that the Romans, Greeks, ancient Chinese, and just about every other group worldwide, spoke of the fruit. However, not all of the reviews were glowing – in the 12th century, St. Hildegard Von Binger deemed them unfit for consumption, as they were grown too close to the ground and contaminated by the frogs and snakes that frequented the gardens. Conversely, in Napolean’s court, Madame Tallien indulged in daily baths of fresh strawberry juice.

The word “strawberry” likely originated from the old English “streawberige,” because the plant sends out runners which could be likened to pieces of straw. However, it is also rumored that its etymology derived from merry old England, where children would string together berries on pieces of straw for easy sale in open-air markets as a treat. However, earlier mentions of strawberries focused not on culinary enjoyment, but rather on their medicinal uses. The leaves and roots of the wild strawberry were consumed to alleviate digestive issues and diarrhea, while the berries themselves were rubbed on the skin to soothe sunburn. And as crazy as it may sound, a strawberry paste was used to relieve gout. These historical uses speak to the versatile and beneficial nature of the humble strawberry beyond its gastronomic appeal.

There are many stories and symbols of strawberries shared throughout history. Shakespeare linked the image of strawberry stains on a handkerchief to themes of virginity and fidelity. The plant itself has been used as a symbol of the divinity of God – its three-leaf structure symbolizing the Holy Trinity, the flower’s petals representing the five wounds of the crucifixion of Christ, and the drooping fruit representing drops of Christ’s blood. According to mythology, strawberries are linked to Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology), the goddess of love and beauty, because of their heart shape and red color, which are reminiscent of qualities attributed to the goddess. One myth suggests that strawberries originated from her tears, which fell to the ground as she grieved the death of Adonis, her lover. The tears, mixed with Adonis’s blood, are said to have given birth to the first strawberry plants. The association of strawberries with love made them a natural choice for inclusion in celebrations of love. The tradition of chocolate-covered strawberries as a romantic gift combines the fruit’s symbolic ties to love with the luxurious indulgence of chocolate, further cementing its status as a Valentine’s Day staple. Furthermore, an old wives’ tale dictates that if you break a double strawberry and share it with the object of your affection, you will fall in love with each other.

While strawberries can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms like itching; swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips; hives; and headaches (and even death), their health and nutritional benefits are significant. These fruits are rich in ellagitannins, known to slow down glucose digestion, which has shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes, and are loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids that have been linked to improved heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels. Moreover, they are a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B9 (folate), manganese, and potassium. Additionally, as they are low in calories and high in fiber, they are an excellent choice for weight management. Given these health benefits, as well as their deliciously sweet, juicy flavor, it may be worth tasting the mixture of the blood of Adonis and tears of Aphrodite!

When it comes to enjoying strawberries, the options are endless. One of the simplest and most satisfying ways is freshly sliced and served on their own, allowing their natural sweetness to shine. Add a burst of flavor and color to salads (they pair really well with spinach, arugula, mixed greens, goat cheese, nuts, and balsamic vinaigrette), salsas, and grilled meats. Cook them down into a delicious sauce or jam that can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or toast. Or blend into a refreshing smoothie or shake, muddle into cocktails, or infuse into water for a refreshing twist.

While all of these are delicious options, they can’t rival the simple yet irresistible pleasure of strawberry shortcake – a timeless dessert that perfectly showcases the sweetness and freshness of spring’s favorite fruit. Whether enjoyed as a delightful ending to a family meal or as a centerpiece at a festive gathering, strawberry shortcake is a beloved classic that never fails to delight the taste buds and evoke the joys of the season.

The origins of this sweet treat trace back to a Native American dish featuring strawberries atop cornbread. Over time, its roots have faded, but fear not – I’ve recreated a faithful rendition for you to enjoy.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

– 2 cups cornmeal
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup oil (I prefer butter melted)
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1½ cup milk
– ¼ cup strawberries (crushed well)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together the dry ingredients. Whisk together the wet ingredients. Make a well in the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients to the dry and fold them together. Add the strawberries and fold until well-mixed. Pour into a greased 9-inch round pan and bake for 25 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees, and bake for 5 more minutes. Kick it up a notch by topping with additional freshly-sliced strawberries and a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.