For the column What it is and how to make it today I talk about the difference between wild strawberries and mock strawberries. Both grow in the undergrowth, in humid, shaded, and cool places, and they are often found close to each other, so it is very important to learn to recognize and distinguish them. I advise you to always pick the fruits in areas with little pollution, away from roads and car exhaust fumes.

Want to know the difference between Chicory and Dandelion? Click the link below

Chicory and Dandelion Differences

Difficulty: Very easy
Cost: Very cheap
Preparation time: 15 Minutes
Portions: 1 Person
Cooking methods: No cooking
Cuisine: Italian
Seasonality: Spring, Spring, Summer

Ingredients

3/4 cup wild strawberries
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Steps

The Fragaria vesca is a perennial herbaceous plant, known as the plant of wild strawberries. Its flowers are white with a yellow center.
The mock strawberry or Potentilla Indica is of Asian origin and was imported to Italy by the Botanical Garden of Turin in the 19th century as a botanical novelty to be exhibited. Its flower has a characteristic yellow color.
Wild strawberries usually hang towards the ground, as their weight causes them to turn downwards.
The mock strawberry grows upright on the stem as if it were a flower.
Wild strawberries are usually small and elongated. Their surface is covered with small seeds of white, pink, or red color. When you pick them, they have a wonderful scent, and if you taste them, the flavor is also delicious. You can enjoy them plain or seasoned with lemon juice and sugar.
Mock strawberries, on the other hand, are not entirely edible. They are not poisonous, but consumed in abundance, they can cause intestinal problems and diarrhea. The mock strawberry is larger and rounder than the wild strawberry and does not have seeds but very small red protuberances. When you pick them, you won’t notice any pleasant smell.