Strawberries and cream are a classic that has been served and enjoyed since the 16th century. It’s such an iconic flavor combination that it’s used in everything from ice cream to Oreo Strawberry Cream cookies, to cream cheese. Now, it’s a food combination that’s observed with its own holiday as well.

This holiday is known as National Strawberries and Cream Day and is held annually on May 21st. If you consider yourself to be a fan of strawberries and cream, then prepare to celebrate this holiday with friends and family members.

The History of Strawberries & Cream

Although strawberries and cream might have been served by some people during various points in the Middle Ages, the man most credited with developing it is Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. He was the one responsible for building Hampton Court in the court of King Henry VIII, and this court had one of the largest kitchens in Tudor England.

Since King Henry’s court fed over 600 lords and ladies twice a day, Wolsey had a desperate need to find food that was quick and easy to make. This food, as you’ve probably guessed, was strawberries and cream, and legend states that he first served this combination at a banquet he hosted in 1509.

However, most historians have pointed out that it was probably one of his chefs, and not Thomas Wolsey himself, that created the dish at Hampton Court. Regardless, the king and queen loved the dish, and so people all over England began cultivating and enhancing the qualities of strawberries so they could grow the best strawberries for strawberries and cream.

Amazing Facts About Strawberries

Strawberries are the central part of strawberries and cream, so we thought that we’d turn our attention to them for the purpose of this holiday article. So we took some time and found out everything that we could about strawberries. The following facts are what we’ve discovered about strawberries; enjoy!

• Strawberries actually belong to the Fragaria genus—the same family that roses are in. Other fruits in this family include plums and apples.
• Strawberries, despite their name, aren’t true berries.
• Native Americans called these fruits “heart-seed berries.” They used strawberries in cornmeal bread and for other purposes.
• King Charles V ordered that strawberry plants be grown in the Royal Gardens of the Louvre in the 14th century.
• The average strawberry contains over 200 small seeds.
• Strawberry plants are perennials. That means that they will come back every year.

Observing Strawberries & Cream Day

Now, we don’t really think that we need to tell anyone how to celebrate Strawberries & Cream Day, but we’re going to anyway. The best way to observe this holiday is by enjoying strawberries and cream in one of its many forms.

This can literally be strawberries served with cream, or it can be one of the manufactured strawberries and cream flavor combinations that exist in desserts and snack foods nowadays. Don’t forget, while you’re enjoying these sweet foods, to use the hashtag #StrawberriesAndCreamDay on your social media accounts for the day.