The cultivation of strawberries can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the fruit was grown for medicinal purposes. However, it was not until the 14th century that it was widely cultivated for food.
In the early 17th century, the first garden strawberry plants were imported to Europe from the Americas. These plants were larger and tastier than the wild varieties that grew in Europe, and their popularity quickly spread.
By the 18th century, strawberry cultivation had become an important industry in Europe, and new varieties were being developed through selective breeding. In the 19th century, strawberry cultivation became widespread in North America and other parts of the world, and new varieties continued to be developed.
Today, strawberries are grown all around the world, with major producers including the United States, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt. There are many different varieties of strawberry, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics, and the fruit is enjoyed fresh, frozen, and in a range of processed foods such as jams, jellies, and baked goods.