Is it me or are strawberries overrated? I remember the first time I had one and I was so disappointed. I think all the various strawberry flavours in everything I had tasted from sweets to chocolates to treats, and the works ruined it for me. In my mind, I was like, how can a strawberry not taste that great? The flavour is mild and they quickly become sour. Such a beauty though, but it just tastes blah.

So corny that Valentine’s is a sea of red in Nigeria. I mean everything you can imagine is red—this includes everyone’s outfit. And the number one must-have fruit is strawberries. All the hype for a simple fruit that has for some reason been linked to symbolize romance. Other than being heart-shaped and bright red, what’s all the fuss about? It got me thinking and I’ve discovered five surprising facts about strawberries.

1. Symbol of Venus
Venus, the ancient Roman goddess of love is associated with strawberries. The fruit is said to have been considered as the symbol of Venus and offered at her temple during that time.

2. Traditional Wimbledon snack
At Wimbledon every year, over 28,000 kilograms of strawberries are eaten. It’s a traditional snack served with cream, part of the air of the old-fashioned English tradition of afternoon tea.

3. It’s also a medicine
No, it’s not the love potion kind of medicine I’m referring to but the real deal. The whole strawberry plant is used to treat depression and melancholy. Makes me wonder how many doses will do the trick.

4. Sharing a strawberry will make you fall in love
Rumor has it, if you share a strawberry with someone, you’ll fall in love. This should hopefully save you from the ultimate search for Mr/Mrs Right. Would you try this?

5. It used to be considered holy
The modern-day symbol of romance was once considered holy. Strawberries were once symbolized as righteousness and perfection. Stone Masons carved strawberry designs at the top of the pillars and on the altars of Churches and Cathedrals. Next time you go to an old Church or Cathedral,  look out, you might just see one.