Strawberry season is practically upon us.  They are a versatile fruit that can be used many ways. They are abundant at this time of year, so I compiled some strawberry facts for you, to get you in the mood to enjoy.

Did you know?

* Almost everyone eats strawberries, over 94% of all households consume strawberries.

* According to USDA statistics, annual per capita consumption is 4.85 pounds of fresh and frozen strawberries.

* The average strawberry has 200 seeds.

* The strawberry is the only fruit with seeds on the outside.

* The ancient Romans believed that strawberries alleviated symptoms of melancholy,
fainting, all inflammations, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, bad breath, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.

* To symbolize perfection and righteousness, medieval stone masons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals.

* Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring.

* There is a museum in Belgium just for strawberries.

* Strawberries are a member of the rose family.

* Ninety-four percent of US households consume strawberries.

* Americans eat 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year plus another 1.8 pounds frozen per capita.

* Strawberries are low fat, low calorie; high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.

* Strawberries, as part of a 5 a day fruit & vegetable program, can help reduce the risk of cancer & heart attacks.

* Folk lore states that if you split a double strawberry in half and share it with the opposite sex, you’ll soon fall in love.

* Over 53 percent of seven to nine-year-olds picked strawberries as their favorite fruit.

So you see, with all of this going for them, strawberries are a great bet for nutrition and taste this spring!

Photo Credit © Serban Enache | Dreamstime.com

Tags: fruit, nutrition, spring, strawberries