May 1-31

National Strawberry Month

A month-long food observance in May celebrating strawberries during their peak growing season through recipes, events, and appreciation of the fruit.

Yearly Date

May 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

May is not just about flowers blooming and warmer weather, it's also National Strawberry Month! From smoothies to shortcakes, strawberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. Did you know that strawberries are actually not berries but rather aggregate fruits? They were first cultivated by the ancient Romans, who believed they had medicinal properties. Today, they are one of the most beloved fruits around the world. So let's celebrate this sweet month by indulging in some juicy and nutritious strawberries!

National Strawberry Month Timeline

1500s

Strawberries in America

European settlers arriving in America find wild strawberries growing abundantly on the continent.

1750

Cultivation Starts in Europe

Strawberries begin to be cultivated in Europe, leading to the modern garden strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa.

1930

Strawberry Breeding Program

The University of California, Davis starts a strawberry breeding program, which results in many popular varieties today.

1960s

Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Freeze-dried strawberries are used in NASA's Apollo missions, spreading their popularity worldwide.

1980s

Strawberries in Popular Culture

"Strawberry Fields Forever" by The Beatles and further references in films and books boost the strawberry's cultural significance.

1990s

National Strawberry Month

The United States recognizes May as National Strawberry Month, a time to celebrate this beloved fruit and its rich history.

How to Celebrate National Strawberry Month

1 Go strawberry picking

Take advantage of strawberry season by going to a local farm and picking your own strawberries. Not only is it a fun activity, but you'll also get to enjoy fresh and delicious strawberries.

2 Create strawberry desserts

Get creative in the kitchen and make some delicious strawberry desserts like strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, or strawberry ice cream. The possibilities are endless!

3 Host a strawberry-themed party

Invite your friends over for a strawberry-themed party! Serve strawberry-inspired dishes and drinks, decorate with strawberries, and have fun with strawberry-related games and activities.

4 Go on a strawberry tasting tour

Explore your local area and try different dishes featuring strawberries. Make it a fun challenge to see who can find the most unique and delicious strawberry dish.

5 Donate to a strawberry-related charity

Celebrate National Strawberry Month by giving back. Donate to a charity that supports strawberry farmers or helps provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables for those in need.

Why We Love National Strawberry Month

Strawberries are delicious and nutritious

Strawberries are not only sweet and juicy, but they are also packed with important vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy them - in smoothies, salads, desserts, and more!

Supporting local farmers

May is typically the peak season for strawberry harvesting in many areas, which means you can find fresh, locally-grown strawberries at your farmer's market or grocery store. Not only will you be getting delicious fruit, but you'll also be supporting your local economy!

Versatile and easy to use in recipes

Strawberries can add a pop of flavor and color to a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. From adding them to salads or using them as a topping for pancakes or waffles, the possibilities are endless. Plus, they're a fun ingredient to get creative with!