Stuff You Missed in History Class: Strawberries Episode Release Date: April 2, 2025

In this captivating episode of "Stuff You Missed in History Class", hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve deep into the fascinating history of strawberries, uncovering their transformation from wild foraged berries to the globally adored fruit we enjoy today. This detailed exploration combines botanical science, historical anecdotes, and intriguing tales of espionage, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of strawberries' pivotal role in agriculture and culture.

1. Introduction to Strawberries

[02:36]
Holly Fry kicks off the episode by noting the ubiquitous presence of strawberries in modern fashion and home decor. She remarks, "Strawberries are everywhere," highlighting their cultural significance beyond just being a fruit.

2. Botanical Overview

[04:10]
Tracy V. Wilson explains that strawberries belong to the Rosaceae family, making them relatives of roses, almonds, pears, and apples. She elaborates, "Strawberries, which are rich in vitamin C, are in the genus Fragaria," providing listeners with a foundational understanding of their botanical classification.

[04:50]
Holly adds an interesting botanical fact: Strawberry "seeds" are not true seeds but are actually achenes, the fruits themselves. She clarifies, "What we eat as strawberries is the receptacle of the flower," distinguishing them from true berries.

3. Early Cultivation and Foraging

[06:05]
Tracy discusses the relatively recent domestication of strawberries, noting that they have been cultivated in their current form for only about 250 years. She references James F. Hancock's observation: "The ease with which strawberries can be collected from the wild may have delayed their cultivation until almost modern times."

4. Strawberries in Ancient History

[07:46]
The hosts explore ancient mentions of strawberries by figures like Ovid and Pliny the Elder. Holly cites Ovid's Metamorphoses: "With thine own hands, thou shalt thyself gather the soft strawberries growing beneath the woodland shade" [07:46], illustrating the fruit's presence in classical literature as both an ornamental and edible item.

5. Transition to Cultivated Strawberries

[08:58]
Holly narrates how strawberries began to be appreciated for their medicinal properties in addition to their sweetness. She lists various historical uses: "Used to treat diarrhea, gout, indigestion, skin irritation, sunburn, pimples, and yellowed teeth."

6. The Naming of Strawberries

[09:48]
Tracy delves into the etymology of "strawberry," presenting several theories:

• Growing among straw.
• Being threaded on straw for easy transport.
• Seed resemblance to straw dust.

She concludes that the first known use of the word dates back to a 15th-century pictorial vocabulary.

7. French Cultivation and Royal Gardens

[10:52]
The narrative shifts to 14th-century France, where strawberries transitioned from foraging to gardening. Holly mentions, "In 1368, strawberries were included in the Gardens of the Louvre," emphasizing their integration into royal horticulture.

[11:51]
By the 1500s, strawberries had become staples in European gardens and literature. Tracy references Shakespeare's Richard III, highlighting their popularity and medicinal classification in texts like The Great Herbal (1526).

8. Introduction of New Strawberry Species from North America and Chile

[13:40]
The discussion moves across the Atlantic to North America, where the Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Holly explains how this species was embraced and crossed with others, though it remained small in size.

[14:14]
A pivotal moment occurs in 1714 with the introduction of the Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis). Holly teases an intriguing story involving espionage, setting the stage for a deeper historical dive.

9. Amade Francois Fraisier’s Espionage Mission

[14:37]
Tracy recounts the espionage mission led by Lieutenant Colonel Amade Francois Fraisier. Posing as a merchant trader, Fraisier was tasked by King Louis XIV to collect valuable botanical specimens, including strawberries, from South America.

[20:59]
Holly narrates Fraisier's meticulous efforts to document Spanish colonial forts while secretly gathering strawberry plants. She highlights his dedication: "When Fraisier boarded the ship St. Joseph, he knew he would be undercover," [20:59].

10. Challenges in Cultivating Chilean Strawberries

[25:56]
Upon returning to France, Fraisier brought back five strawberry plants. However, these plants faced challenges in fruit production due to their dioecious nature—requiring both male and female plants for pollination. Despite meticulous care, only female plants thrived, producing no fruit. Holly notes, "They just couldn't get them to produce any fruit, except occasionally very small, misshapen and incomplete ones," [28:16].

11. Antoine Nicolas Duchesne's Breakthrough

[29:40]
The story of Antoine Nicolas Duchesne, a teenage botanist, emerges as a beacon of hope. At 17 years old, Duchesne successfully cross-pollinated Chilean and Virginia strawberry plants, resulting in the large, juicy berries we recognize today. Tracy quotes Duchesne: "No one, I believe, suspected before me the separations of the sexes in the Capitan," [35:15].

12. Impact and Legacy

[42:01]
Holly summarizes the profound impact of Duchesne and Fraisier's work: "Duchenne's legacy is still part of every supermarket strawberry we eat." She cites USDA statistics: "94% of all U.S. households consume strawberries in some form each year, with each person eating an estimated 4.85 pounds on average," [42:01]. This underscores the enduring significance of their botanical breakthroughs.

13. Listener Mail and Ethical Reflections

[42:43]
The episode transitions to listener mail, where Katie shares concerns about a school program emphasizing determination through extreme examples. Holly and Tracy reflect critically on these moral lessons, emphasizing the importance of kindness and balanced character education over potentially harmful notions of strength, fostering a thoughtful discussion on modern moral education.

Notable Quotes:

• Holly Fry: "What we eat as strawberries is the receptacle of the flower." [04:50]
• Tracy V. Wilson: "The ease with which strawberries can be collected from the wild may have delayed their cultivation until almost modern times." [06:54]
• Tracy V. Wilson: "No one, I believe, suspected before me the separations of the sexes in the Capitan." [35:15]
• Holly Fry: "Duchenne's legacy is still part of every supermarket strawberry we eat." [42:01]

Conclusion

This episode masterfully intertwines botanical science with rich historical narratives, illustrating how two individuals' dedication and ingenuity transformed strawberries from humble wild berries to a major agricultural commodity. Holly and Tracy not only educate but also engage listeners with stories of espionage, scientific discovery, and the lasting impact of these pioneering figures. Whether you're a history buff, a gardening enthusiast, or simply love strawberries, this episode offers a delightful and informative journey through time.

Listen to "Strawberries" on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.