National Strawberries and Cream Day: An excuse to have more desserts!

Strawberries in particular date back to ancient Rome, where ancient Romans believed that they held medicinal properties that helped alleviate many illnesses such as fevers, inflammation, and kidney stones. However, food historians believe that the fruit dates back further into ancient Greece. In ancient England, the fruit was seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury. It was often served with afternoon tea.

According to rumors and tall tales, strawberries and cream were first served as a treat by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey at a banquet during Henry VIII’s reign. The story goes as King Henry VIII’s court had to feed around 600 lords and ladies twice a day. Cardinal Thomas came up with an idea to pair the two as a dessert as it was quick to prepare. Another version of the story is that Cardinal Thomas mixed up the ingredients during the banquet, and whatever the royals ate, became fashionable. Whether it’s true or not, its popularity grew and we can’t deny its indulgent taste.

An interesting story of the fruit harvest and availability coincides with Wimbledon tennis tournaments. So in 1877, the first-ever Wimbledon Tournament served strawberries and cream to 200 of its spectators. No one truly knows how this delicious sweet treat became a part of Wimbledon, but we wouldn’t complain if we were served strawberries and cream! Since then, the fruit has become Wimbledon’s snack of choice.