Program Information

Strawberry history goes back over 2200 years ago. It is thought that the name "strawberry" came from the practice of growers spreading a layer of straw around the plants when the berries begin to form, or from the sellers who strung berries on pieces of straw to carry them to market.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter B, for Berries… Strawberries that is!

Strawberry history goes back over 2200 years ago. It is thought that the name "strawberry" came from the practice of growers spreading a layer of straw around the plants when the berries begin to form, or from the sellers who strung berries on pieces of straw to carry them to market.

The 600 strawberry varieties found today stem from five or six original wild species, and are a member of the rose family.

Europeans discovered wild strawberries in Virginia when their ships landed there in 1588.

When Virginia sent a better flavored, strawberry to England in 1642, and a large white strawberry from Chile was introduced in 1806, the big fruit we know today emerged.

Strawberries are very unique, because they are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.

In 2001, strawberries were responsible for about $5.1 million dollars in agricultural cash receipts in Virginia.

And these delicious berries are pretty good for you! One cupful contains no fat and only 55 calories.

Yum! For the ABC’s of Agriculture … I’m Professor Brad… see you next month!

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