National Strawberry Day falls on Feb. 27. That day, we pay homage to one of the most popular fruits in the world.

Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen every year, so they are often called the “taste of spring.” The bright red juicy berries are both delicious and incredibly good for you. Each bite is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. People have been enjoying strawberries and their health benefits for centuries. In fact, the Ancient Romans believed that strawberries could cure fevers, fainting, inflammation, and several other ailments. They also used the berries for teeth whitening.

The History Behind National Strawberry Day

Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.

However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants, and the garden strawberry we know today was born.In the early 19th century, love for strawberries spread quickly when strawberries and cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that they could be transported quickly all around the country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee.

Now, 75% of U.S. strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.The berry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “strawbridge” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that they’re so called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that the berries were sold on straw skewers at markets.

The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Its heart-shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.

To celebrate National Strawberry Day, enjoy a fresh bowl of strawberries and cream, a strawberry smoothie, a piece of toast smothered in strawberry jam, or a scoop of strawberry ice cream.