by Judy Perin

What could be more satisfying than having a delicious mouth watering strawberry? Well, I am sure if you think hard enough you might come up with something, but for the time being let's just enjoy this intriguing yet scrumptious fruit.

There are many interesting facts about the strawberry that you may or may not know. For instance were you aware that this is the only fruit that has its seeds on the outside instead of the inside and that it is a member of the rose family. Along with these two facts were you also aware that having just eight strawberries would provide you with more vitamin C than an orange. This is not the only nutritional value that strawberries can provide. In addition to vitamin C strawberries contain folic acid, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. All of these are essential materials that your body needs. To add icing to the cake, strawberries contain no cholesterol or saturated fats and they are only 50 calories per serving. Not bad for a member of the rose family.

Many people may not be aware of this, but Italy is a major exporter of strawberries. In fact, in 2001 it ranked as the 4th largest exporter. The majority of strawberries are cultivated in the regions of Basilicata, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Piedmont and Veneto. The most famous area throughout Italy is the Lago di Nemi, which is a crater lake located in the Alban Hills over looking the beautiful city of Rome.

Like many things in life there are some myths and legends that surround the strawberry. According to legend when Adonis died Venus wept uncontrollably. The tears rolled down her cheek and dropped to the earth turning into heart shaped strawberries. Did you know that legend also states that if you find a double strawberry, split it in half and give it to a member of the opposite sex you will fall in love with each other? These aren't the only folk tales and legends about strawberries. The French thought that strawberries were an aphrodisiac and they made sure that newlyweds were served these magical berries. Why not test these last two legends out by going to the market and pick up a basket or two of strawberries. You never know you just might fall in love over them. If either of the last two legends don't come true don't worry I have found many great recipes you can make with any left over strawberries you have. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this weeks feature on strawberries. If you have a favorite recipe that includes strawberries or you have a wonderful story you would like to share with us please take a few minutes to send me your thoughts and recipes.

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