‘Strawberry Sprouts’ Are the Internet’s Latest Obsession—Here’s Why
Updated: Nov. 14, 2022
We never knew our favorite fruit could do this!
The internet has given us some pretty wild stuff this year. From all the whipped concoctions we could possibly crave to showing us how to use potato peelers the right way, there’s no shortage of curious info that changes our perspective on our favorite foods and how we prepare ’em.
This past week, the internet decided to shine a light on a particularly curious phenomenon involving one of our favorite fruits—the strawberry. Apparently strawberry sprouts can produce leaves from the seedy surface of this power food. (And honestly, we’re not sure how we feel about that.)
It’s Cool—and Creepy
Yes, you read that right. Some strawberry seeds grow leaves while they’re still on the vine, which creates a partially—or even fully—leaf-covered berry. If you’re having trouble picturing that, check out this snap courtesy of @WildAware on Instagram.
Even wackier, you can still safely eat that strawberry, because vivipary doesn’t render the fruit inedible. The process doesn’t just occur in strawberries, either—it happens to tomatoes, mangoes and other seeded foods. But imagine biting into one of these guys in your favorite strawberry pie recipe…
This Process Has a Name
Apparently this strange occurrence of something sprouting while still on the vine is called vivipary. It’s relatively uncommon, but when it does happen, it tends to happen to the whole fruit. You’re not likely to find one leaf growing from the strawberry’s surface. You’ll usually find a whole berry covered in leaves!
Gardeners would also be interested to know that these sprouts can be planted, but they should be kept separate from each other. Just plunking that berry in the ground would result in too many plants concentrated in a single location. Keep that in mind during the next strawberry harvest.
Make These Recipes with Fresh (and Leafless) Strawberries!
Strawberry TartA simple tart is one of the best recipes with fresh strawberries I know. What makes it special: There's a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Frozen Strawberry DaiquirisBlend this refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri to serve on a hot summer day. It's one of the best recipes with fresh strawberries served in a glass! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Croissant Breakfast CasseroleTurning croissants and marmalade into a classic overnight croissant breakfast casserole makes a wonderful treat for family and guests around the breakfast table. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Strawberry CheesecakeThe creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas
Fresas con CremaThis refreshing fresas con crema recipe is wonderful when berries are in season. Media crema is a rich, unsweetened cream found in the baking aisle or ethnic food section of the grocery store. It's similar to creme fraiche and sour cream, although sour cream is a bit tangier. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate-Dipped StrawberriesA bumper crop of berries turned into a real treat when I dipped them in chocolate! I like to make these chocolate covered strawberries before dinner and put them in the fridge, so they're ready when we're finished eating. My family can't get enough of these chocolate strawberries. —Valerie Gee, Depew, New York
Berry Smoothie BowlI've always loved smoothies but sometimes I want to linger over breakfast instead of sipping it on the go. That's when I make this Jamba-inspired smoothie bowl. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox CakeThis cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Berried Treasure Angel Food CakeMy husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Strawberry Arugula Salad with FetaThe combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
Strawberry Cheesecake BitesThese treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill
and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice CreamWhen I got my ice cream maker, a friend shared her dreamy freezy cheesecake recipe. For guests, I scoop this into tart shells. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Easy Fresh Strawberry PieFor my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Strawberry BreadMy husband and I are strawberry lovers, so each spring we pick about 30 quarts. This strawberry bread recipe makes two delicious loaves. One we eat right away; the other we freeze and pull out when family comes to visit.
Strawberry Rhubarb Dump CakeIt always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nut-Topped Strawberry Rhubarb MuffinsA sweet, crispy topping highlights these tender muffins that are filled with two favorite spring foods, rhubarb and strawberries. They're perfect for a brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast. —Audrey Stallsmith, Hadley, Pennsylvania
Rainbow Fruit SaladWhen my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Strawberry Tarragon Chicken SaladAfter thinking about creating this salad for some time, one spring I used my homegrown strawberries and fresh tarragon to do a little experimenting. It didn't take me very long to come up with a winner! My husband enjoyed my creation as much as I did, and now we can't wait for strawberry season to come around each year. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Strawberry-Thyme JamI created this recipe using two ingredients that I love: strawberry and thyme. This recipe is ideal slathered on homemade farm biscuits.—Sharon Demers, Dolores, Colorado
Strawberry and Peach Lime Custard BarsAfter I baked, my dad would always find his way to the kitchen and ask if he could try what I made. I enjoyed asking him to taste test different creations, like these bars. He was always ready with a compliment. Other fruits can be arranged over the custard, depending on what's in season. —Carlin Tou, Chandler, Arizona
Mixed Berry PieHere's a delightful way to enjoy summertime fruits. If you're short on one of the berries, just make up the amount with one of the other fruits in the pie. —Elaine Moody, Clever, Missouri
Cheesecake-Stuffed StrawberriesThese luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Originally Published: September 22, 2020
