Origin
How it started 200 years ago with an accidental crossing
The history of the strawberry in the strawberry museum
More than 200 years ago, in Plougastel, Brittany (FR), a cross between two botanical strawberry varieties happened by accident: 'Fragaria virginiana' from North America and 'Fragaria chiloensis' from South America. The offspring of this cross had remarkably large and juicy fruits.
French scientist Duchesne first described the new species under the name 'Fragaria x ananassa Duch'. Since that time hundreds of new varieties have been developed in this large-fruited strawberry variety. These strawberry varieties have spread all over the world.
The accidental crossing of strawberry varieties and the resulting developments in strawberry cultivation still bring Plougastel fame. There is even a real strawberry museum, Musée de la Fraise, where the history of the region and the origin of the strawberry as we know it is very nicely shown. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth a visit and of course to taste that special strawberry.