So, what do you have for the history blog this week?
Blog? Oh, shoot, is it that time already? Damn.
Just use whatever comes to mind.
Okay, well…
June has arrived and brought with it another one of my best-loved things! No, I’m not talking about the nicer weather, although I do enjoy that. Or the longer days, which I also greatly enjoy. I am referring to Strawberry picking season! Long Island Strawberries are delectable!
I’m not sure why I enjoy picking, but I look forward to it each year. In spite of the ticks, occasional snake, the bending and the sun. As a child, my Mom always took us picking. As a Mom I always took my children picking. Perhaps that is a piece of what I enjoy. I have fond memories of time spent with friends and relatives in a strawberry field. Yes I realize I can ‘pick’ them at the local farm stand and I have done so in a pinch, but I prefer to choose them individually.
Um, history blog. Let’s see. Oh!
According to an 1894 newspaper article detailing strawberry recipes, ‘strawberries are at their best when the cook has not tampered with them.” These lovely little heart-shaped gems are just delicious. They are easy to pick and easy to enjoy. Although they make great pies – with or without rhubarb – jams, jellies, souffles and of course short-cake, there is nothing better than a bowl with some fresh berries and cream, or your diary product of choice.
Okay, more history. How about…
Strawberries have been around for hundreds of years, despite the fact that they were not always revered. It is believed that they were first cultivated in the 14th century. The name, is attributed to either the fact that the plants send out runners that resemble straw, or the use of straw as bedding around growing berries. A member of the rose family, these berries earned a bad reputation for awhile, thanks to their low growing habits. The fear of snakes, toads or other slippery slithery creatures kept people away. When the English arrived in the New World, they were surprised to find that the Indians had cultivated a larger, tastier wild berry. Plants of which they shipped back by the hundreds.
Local history now. Geez. Maybe…
I’m told there was an area by Montauk Hwy and Gravel Hill Road which was referred to as Strawberry Hill. I am not quite sure of the reason for this reference, but I’d hazard a guess that strawberries were plentiful in the area, hence the name.
All right, not bad. Now wow them with photographs! Strawberry Fields!