Large-fruited Strawberry Temptation - Fragaria

The Temptation Strawberry is an improved, early and perpetual variety of wild strawberry that blooms multiple times and produces beautiful strawberries from June-July until the first cold weather. The plant, vigorous, develops numerous climbing or creeping stoloniferous stems that work wonders in hanging baskets and planters. Its red fruits, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in size, contain a sweet and fragrant flesh, very tasty. Whether eaten fresh, blended into a sauce, or placed on a tart, the strawberry offers multiple ways to enjoy its flavors and nutritional qualities. The Temptation Strawberry is planted in autumn or spring, in a sunny, fertile and well-prepared soil, kept slightly moist in summer.

The Strawberry is a perennial plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The wild strawberry, present in Roman times and the Middle Ages, was crossed in the 18th century with a species brought from Chile, allowing for numerous varieties cultivated in our gardens through successive selections.

Today, three categories of varieties are distinguished:

- Wild or four-season strawberry varieties producing small fruits from June to October

- Non-remontant varieties with large fruits, blooming once a year in spring, producing very large fruits around June

- Remontant varieties with large fruits, blooming twice a year or continuously, producing large fruits from June to October

The Strawberry has a spreading habit, sometimes climbing or trailing, with trifoliate, ovate and dentate evergreen leaves. Depending on the varieties, it offers small white, yellow or pink flowers with a golden center that transform into fruits, usually red, but occasionally pink, yellow or white. Botanically speaking, we refer to the strawberry as a pseudocarp, with the achenes (seeds) protruding under the epidermis.

In terms of cuisine, strawberries can be consumed in multiple ways. They can be eaten fresh, with sugar, cream, or sliced thinly and dried before being incorporated into muesli or yogurt. They are also well-suited for sauces, jams, pies, ice creams, sorbets...

Strawberries are rich in vitamins (especially C and B group) and minerals. They can cause urticating effects for some people as they stimulate the release of histamine in the body.

Harvesting: Pick the fruits as they ripen, every 2 or 3 days, ideally in the morning. Strawberries are delicate, so pick them with their peduncle by pinching the stem 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) above it. The texture of the fruit is a good indicator of its ripeness. It should be firm and slightly soft to the touch.

Storage: Ideally, strawberries should be consumed quickly after harvest to fully enjoy their flavor. Refrigeration is possible, but it alters the taste qualities of the fruit. Strawberries can also be dried or frozen. If you have a plentiful harvest, consider making jams, sauces, ice creams or sorbets.

Gardener's tip: Strawberry plants are good companions for garlic, beans, lettuce, onions, leeks, thyme, and spinach. However, they do not appreciate the company of cabbage and other brassicas.