Strawberries, botanical Fragaria x ananassa, are members of the Rosaceae family, an economically important family of both flowering and crop plants. Strawberries are actually botanically not a berry, rather they are the greatly enlarged stem end of the plant's flower. There are actually hundreds of varieties of strawberries, each displaing unique attributes, growing capacities, flavor profiles, resistance to disease, size shape and coloring. Specific varieties are grown for stem strawberry production. These varieties produce large, sweet berries. Runners, the long, leafless stems between the mother plant, produce the stem strawberries, which are carefully cut by hand in order to leave a long stem on the strawberry.

Stem strawberries are readily distinguished by several characteristics. All stem strawberries must be uniform in size, color, shape and ripeness and of course, maintain a two-inch stem. They are plump and voluptuous, heart shaped, deep ruby red in color, succulent and depending on variety, candy sweet with a perfect hint of tartness.

Serving Ideas

Stem strawberries are meant to be served whole and intact. The quintessential application for stem strawberries is chocolate covered. They can also be placed atop tarts and cakes. The fruit can be cored and stuffed with truffles, cream cheese, chevre and fruit compotes. Complimentary pairings include stonefruits such as peaches and cherries, rhubbarb, vanilla, white chocolate, lavender, thyme, pineapple, banana, caramel, coconut, mascarpone, and heavy cream.

Geography/History

There are three types of modern strawberry cultivars: June-bearing, Everbearing and Day-neutral. Runners, which are essential to stem strawberry production, are produced by virtually all June-bearing strawberry plants and most Everbearing and Day-neutral strawberry varieties. These runners are horizontal stems that run above the ground and produce new clone plants at nodes spaced at varying intervals. Runners are the strawberry plants' natural means of propagating themselves. Under ideal conditions, it is not uncommon for a single plant to produce between 30 and 50 runners, depending on the vigor and qualities of the variety.

Seasons/Availability

Stem strawberries are available year round.