Adam investigates: Why are strawberries called strawberries?

There is no straw on a strawberry, right? So why are they called strawberries?

Interesting tale actually...

According to etymonline.com although the exact origin of its common name is uncertain, the name strawberry probably is a corruption of "strewn berry". The latter was an early designation for the plant which made reference to the fact that, as a strawberry plant produced runners and spread, its berries were strewn about the ground. Strewn means thrown or spread - so berries and seeds that are thrown or spread about. This doesn't mean you can start throwing your strawberries about though! 

Did you know:
- The combination of strawberries and cream was created by Thomas Wolsey in the court of King Henry VIII. 
- Instructions for growing and harvesting strawberries showed up in writing in 1578.
- By the end of the 16th century three European species had been cited: F. vesca, F. moschata, and F. viridis.
- The garden strawberry was transplanted from the forests and then the plants would be propagated asexually by cutting off the runners.

Sources: Wikipedia, The Kitchen Gardener