A Valentine Story
Nothing can turn on the heart, like a bunch of deep red, succulent wild, juicy strawberries. These heart shaped fruits beats apples any day in terms of variety, health benefits, holistic properties and seduction. These berries have existed since the 14th century in many parts of the world, especially Europe. A single strawberry can be combined with whipped cream, plucked & eaten raw, enjoyed as a short cake or as a sinful pastry. And now it is a healing ingredients in wellness spas.
If you are already drooling, take a bite of its seduction story.. right from its ancestry in Europe…
Earliest references as a romantic fruit
The royal love for strawberry began during the reign of King Charles V. He could not resist the taste of the strawberries and grew it a part of the royal garden. Charles wasn’t the only royal who was mesmerised by this amazing fruit. Madame Tallien, the princess of Chimay is known to have a love for bathing in crushed strawberries, when in the season. She required 22 pound per basin! There was no need for her to refresh herself daily!
After the kings and queens, came the poets and writers during the renaissance, who fell in love with this heart shaped fruit as well. Later down the history lane, strawberry made its way into novels and plays. A quote from William Shakespeare’s play Henry V says: “The strawberry grows underneath the nettle, and wholesome berries thrive and ripen best neighboured by the fruit of baser quality,” In another story the English Bard decorated Desdemona’s kerchief with symbolic strawberries.
A very popular 17th century English writer, Dr William Butler, also proudly titled strawberries as the paramount of all berries. In Bavaria, there is a ritual that still exists where wild strawberries are put in baskets. These baskets are tied to the horns of the cattle to be offered to the elves. Why? So that the elves that love strawberries will help produce healthy calves and people will get milk in abundance.
Legends associated with the fruit
- If you break a strawberry in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, love is inevitable. Watch the movie “Pretty Woman” starring Julie Roberts and Richard Gere to know its effect!
- USA munches hybrid variety called “Hudson”.
- It is considered as a symbol of Venus due to its red color and heart shape.
- Anne Boleyn, 2nd wife of Henry VIII had a strawberry mark on her neck. She was called a witch.
- In 17th century masons on altars, church pillars and cathedrals sculpted the fruit. It denoted righteousness.
- This fruit is a member of the Rose family.
Journey from the wild to the cultured fine dining
This fruit began its journey from the wild to the royal gardens and now its seductive flavor has become an integral part of seven-star kitchens. Chefs around the world are constantly reinventing their cuisines using this exquisite fruit. Word renowned chefs who are featured on covers of luxury lifestyle magazines swear by its flavor and benefits. “Strawberries Arnaud” is one of the most expensive and exquisite desserts in the world. At a staggering $3.95 million, this dish is served with red wine, spices and citrus with vanilla ice cream along with a 7.09 carat pink diamond ring, to accompany the dish.
Still thinking about ideas to surprise that special someone for Valentine’s Day?
Dining is incomplete without a drink and what better way to enhance the drink than with a hit of strawberry flavor added to it. Whether it’s a small cut strawberry on the bottom of the champagne glass or a cocktail with strawberries in it, this fruit can bring the best out of most food and drinks.
Health benefits
Strawberry is not just a fruit that is loved for its taste; is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Wellness guidelines for a healthy lifestyle have also made honorable mentions about this heart shaped fruit. It can spark the feeling of love and reduces the signs of depression. According to researchers strawberries can prevent excess production of homocysteine in the body and fight blood pressure. It helps the heart beat.
A cosmetic favorite
This beautiful fruit has been used as a cosmetic for centuries. In Ancient Europe, women used strawberry both as a blush and a lipstick, moving forward to modern time this amazing fruit’s extracts are present in most of the cosmetic products. Strawberry has witnessed its own evolution in the beauty industry. Some of the leading luxury brand like Dolce & Gabanna, Chanel, and Versace uses organic fruit extracts including strawberries to create their signature perfumes and cosmetics. Strawberry has the color and the properties that can melt the strongest of hearts.
Wellness & Rejuvenation
Whether you are soaking the sun in the south of France or getting a couple massage in Bali, strawberry will be present in form of a drink or will make its way as a scented scrub. They are also an integral part of wellness spa treatments. A dip into the fruity spa water containing organically grown fruits including strawberries cleanses the skin and teeth. The fruit is a rare blend of beauty, texture and taste. It is seductive and can create passion. Are you ready to get rejuvenated?
Lovely
Nice Story…