81: strawberry Feb 27, 2015

Happy National Strawberry Day. The word 'strawberry' comes from Old English, 'strēowberige'. There is no corresponding compound in other Germanic languages. What might explain this is that a cognate Old English name was eorðberge, which means, "earth-berry", note that the modern German word is 'erdbeere'. The reason for the 'straw-' part of the name is uncertain, though there are a few different theories. Many believe it is in reference to the tiny chaff-like external seeds which cover the fruit. Others believe that it is based on the straw that would be lain out atop strawberry patches.