I love our morning “marches” up Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island {in the San Juan Islands}. The views are stunning and I am always curious to see what is in bloom. On our last march I was thrilled to see the delicate Fraise de Bois {berries of the wood} were ripe and ready for the picking.
I believe these are also called Alpine Strawberries, but I’ll always call them by the French name, since I first enjoyed them in France.
I’ll never forget being presented with a small plate of these delights after lunch at the beach with friends.
They are tiny, woody looking berries with big flavor. They are sweet in an earthy, honey, sort~of way, and while the small size melts away in your mouth, there is a nice texture to the berries, and a finish of a little crunch of the seeds.
David Lebovitz writes a blog about his experiences living in Paris, to read a recent post from him on these delicate delights click on Fraises des bois. Reading through his 90+ comments {!!}, it sounds as if Fraises des bois are in season in many parts of the world right now.
Many of his readers have access to them in the wild, or from their neighbors and some are growing plants at home.
So, keep your eye out, I hope you have a chance to try one of these dainty delights soon!
Gorgeous pictures! I would love to pick some of these beauties.
Love these!! My father used to grow tiny strawberries in his garden that were delicious!!
We had them in France, too…so special as they wer only available once a year. Lovely photos.
Yummy! These look so delectable and your pictures make me feel like I could reach in and grab one, or two or three………:)
My fraises are currently being enjoyed by a woodchuck who loves the whole plant – not just the berry! Your photos are wonderful; make my mouth water.