NOW that the sun is shining, many Brits may be looking to pack up some fresh fruit for their picnics.
Whether it’s to add to their prosecco or simply to enjoy as a refreshingly sweet snack, strawberries are a popular go-to for many Brits.
In the UK alone, according toWhere Science Meets Business, the average per capita consumption of strawberries is about 3kg a year.
But many Brits aren’t clued up on the surprising facts about them – including the prickly white spots around strawberries that look like seeds.
Surprisingly, they aren’t seeds but are actually small fruits called achenes – each containing a single seed inside.
In other words, they are small, dry, one-seeded fruits that do not open to release the seed.
These are the brownish or whitish specks that make strawberries relatively high in fibre.
The average strawberry contains around 200 of these, and they form when the strawberry flower is pollinated.
Other plants that have achenes include buttercups, buckwheat, quinoa, and cannabis.
Aaron Liston, from the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University, told Live Science: “When you eat one strawberry, you're getting hundreds of fruits, not just one.”;
Chris Gunter, associate professor of horticultural science at NC State, also said: “First off, strawberries don't keep their seeds outside their fruit.
“Those things we think of as strawberry seeds aren't seeds.
“There are a few fundamental reasons why plants have evolved different kinds of fruits. One reason is to attract something that spreads seeds.
“A second evolutionary approach is for plants to find ways for their fruit to disperse on their own.
For example, they may fly in the wind, like a dandelion, or be moved by the water, like a coconut.”;
In a recent Reddit thread, one user explained that the seeds on the outside of a strawberry are actually the fruit, and this caused shock among social media users.
One said: “I'm actually so mind-blown by this.”
A second added: “This is blowing my mind more than I feel it should.”
A third said: “All these years I've been lied to.”
And someone else said: “So that's why they're prickly!”
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
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Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months.Gtech’s Garden Safety Kitincludes durablegardeninggloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmercan help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
