Strawberries are native to North America, and Indigenous peoples used them in many dishes. The first colonists in America shipped the native larger strawberry plants back to Europe as early as 1600.

Where do strawberries originate from?

The strawberry, as we know it, was originally grown in northern Europe, but species are also found in Russia, Chile, and the United States. The berries seem to be strewn among the leaves of the plant. The plant first had the name strewberry, which later was changed to strawberry.

Where do strawberries grow naturally?

Wild strawberries grow in a variety of habitats, ranging from open woodlands and meadows to sand dunes and beaches. The woodland, or alpine, strawberry (F. vesca) can be found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere and bears small intensely flavourful fruits.