Tag: Fragaria x ananassa

Botanically speaking, the familiar garden strawberry is not a true berry, but an aggregate accessory fruit. This is just the first hint of a surprising answer to the question: are strawberries complex? The true depth of their complexity lies hidden within their genetic makeup, unique botanical structure, and the rich palette of chemicals that define their flavor.

Did you know that the modern garden strawberry is one of the world's youngest domesticated crops, originating in the 18th century? This large, juicy fruit is not a naturally occurring species but a hybrid created by the cross-pollination of two wild American strawberries. The question, "Are strawberries natural or manmade?", has a fascinating answer rooted in botanical history.

Over 90% of papayas grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. Despite consumer assumptions that large fruit must be genetically altered, there are currently no genetically modified organism (GMO) strawberries commercially available for sale anywhere in the world as of 2025.