Whether for a party, romantic occasion, or just a fun family snack, Morango do Amor is the perfect candied strawberry recipe to brighten your day!
🍓 History of the Strawberry (Morango)
🌍 Global Origins
Strawberries have been enjoyed since ancient times. Here’s how their journey unfolded:
- Ancient Rome (Before 1st Century AD):
Wild strawberries were used for medicinal purposes — to treat fever, inflammation, and depression. - Europe (13th–16th Century):
Strawberries were cultivated in gardens in France and England. These were wild European species (Fragaria vesca), small but flavorful. - The Big Change – 18th Century:
Around 1750, French botanists accidentally crossbred two wild species from North America (Fragaria virginiana) and Chile (Fragaria chiloensis).
This hybrid created the modern garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) — larger, juicier, and sweeter.
🇧🇷 Strawberries in Brazil
- Strawberries were introduced to Brazil in the early 20th century, especially in cooler southern regions.
- São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio Grande do Sul are the main strawberry-producing states today.
- In Brazil, strawberries are loved in:
- Docinhos e sobremesas (like morango do amor, mousses, and pavês)
- Feiras e festas juninas (especially candied strawberries on a stick)
- Juices, cakes, jams, and yogurts
🍓 Fun Facts
- Strawberries are not true berries botanically — they’re accessory fruits.
- They’re the only fruit with seeds on the outside (about 200 per berry).
- Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
🧾 Ingredients (makes 10 candied strawberries) Morango
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | 10 (washed & dried) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200 g) |
| Water | 1/2 cup (120 ml) |
| White vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Red food coloring | A few drops |
| Skewers/sticks | 10 |
Tip: Strawberries must be completely dry to help the candy stick properly.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prep the strawberries
- Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
- Insert a wooden stick/skewer into the top of each one.
Step 2: Make the candy coating
- In a saucepan, add sugar, water, vinegar, and food coloring.
- Cook over medium heat without stirring until it reaches 140°C (285°F), or until a hard crack stage (approx. 15–20 min).
- You can test it by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water — it should form a hard ball.
Step 3: Coat the strawberries
- Carefully dip each strawberry into the hot syrup, swirl to coat evenly, and let the excess drip off.
- Place them on parchment paper or a greased surface to cool.
Step 4: Let them set
- Allow to harden for about 10 minutes. The candy should be glossy and crunchy!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🧾 General & Historical Questions
1. Where do strawberries come from originally?
Strawberries originated from wild varieties in Europe and the Americas. The modern strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) was developed in France in the 18th century.
2. When did strawberries arrive in Brazil?
Strawberries were introduced to Brazil in the early 20th century and are now widely cultivated in southern regions.
3. Are strawberries native to Brazil?
No. While Brazil has native berry species, the strawberries grown today are imported hybrids.
🥗 Nutrition & Health
4. Are strawberries healthy?
Yes! They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
5. How many calories are in 100g of strawberries?
Approximately 32 calories per 100 grams.
6. Are strawberries good for weight loss?
Yes, they’re low in calories and high in water and fiber — great for a healthy diet.
7. Do strawberries have sugar?
Yes, but naturally occurring sugar — around 4–7g per 100g.
8. Can people with diabetes eat strawberries?
Yes, in moderation. They have a low glycemic index.
🧑🍳 Cooking & Usage
9. What can I make with strawberries?
Cakes, jams, juices, smoothies, desserts like pavê, mousses, and morango do amor.
10. Can I cook strawberries?
Yes! They can be boiled (for compotes/jams), baked, or reduced into sauces.
11. How do I make “Morango do Amor”?
Dip strawberries in hard crack sugar syrup (with red coloring) to create a glossy candy coating.
12. Can strawberries be frozen?
Yes — freeze them clean and dry for up to 6 months.
13. What goes well with strawberries?
Chocolate, cream, lemon, mint, balsamic vinegar, and even cheese like mascarpone.
🧼 Cleaning & Storage
14. How should I wash strawberries?
Wash gently in cold water just before eating. Soak briefly in water with vinegar to remove pesticides.
15. Should I remove the green tops before storing?
No. Leave the tops on to help them last longer.
16. How long do strawberries last in the fridge?
3 to 5 days if stored properly in a breathable container.
🌱 Growing & Varieties
17. Can I grow strawberries at home?
Yes! They grow well in pots, planters, and garden beds with sun and good drainage.
18. What’s the best season for strawberries in Brazil?
The peak season is May to September (fall to early spring).
19. Are there different types of strawberries?
Yes — there are many cultivars, varying in size, sweetness, and shape.
❓ Miscellaneous
20. Why are strawberries considered romantic?
Their heart shape, bright red color, and sweetness have long symbolized love and passion — especially in treats like Morango do Amor (Candied Strawberry of Love)!
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