Mansikka

Mansikka is the Finnish word for the strawberry. In botany it refers to fruits of Fragaria species, most notably the cultivated garden strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa. The cultivated form is a hybrid derived from Fragaria chiloensis and Fragaria virginiana, first developed in Europe in the 18th century and later spread worldwide. In Finland, mansikka also covers wild strawberry forms such as metsämansikka (Fragaria vesca), which grow in woodlands and meadows and are typically smaller and more aromatic than cultivated varieties.

Description and ecology: The strawberry is a perennial herb with creeping runners, trifoliate leaves, and white five-petaled flowers that produce the edible aggregate fruit. The edible portion is the swollen receptacle, with the small seeds (achenes) visible on the surface. Strawberries prefer well-drained soils and full sun. In temperate climates, harvest typically occurs from late spring to early summer, with remontant varieties capable of a secondary crop.

Cultivation and production: Modern strawberries are grown commercially in fields and greenhouses, as well as in home gardens. Cultivars are selected for flavor, yield, disease resistance, and fruit size. In Finland, mansikka production is supported by seasonal cultivation and imports to meet peak demand during the harvest period, which is followed by longer-term storage and processing in processing industries.

Uses and nutrition: Strawberries are consumed fresh and used in jams, desserts, beverages, and baking. They are valued for vitamin C, dietary fiber, and natural sugars. In Finland, mansikka remains a popular seasonal fruit, integrated into domestic agriculture and culinary traditions.