People mind-blown after discovering the ‘seeds’ on the outside of strawberries aren’t actually seeds

People have been left absolutely mind-blown after making the bombshell discovery about one of the nation’s favourite fruits.

The fruit in question is none other than the humble strawberry – a fruit which has always been part of the human diet.

In fact, there’s even evidence of the fruit being foraged by our stone age ancestors.

While these little nuggets of fruity goodness are a mainstay of any fruit and veg aisle nowadays, the modern strawberry was only actually first cultivated in Brittany, France, as recently as the 1750s, and they’ve been thoroughly enjoyed by people every summer.

However, despite the fact that strawberries are the most popular fruit among British people consuming on average 168,000 tonnes each year, according to a 2024 YouGov poll, not many people know that the ‘seeds’ on them aren’t actually even ‘seeds’.

What exactly are those white 'seeds'? (Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images)

The ‘seeds’ are actually known as an achene – which is a small, one-seeded fruit in and of itself.

While it may be a fruit, there’s no point eating them without the strawberry though as they’re super dry.

Interestingly, an achene doesn’t actually release a seed, meaning hardly any of us have actually ever seen a true strawberry seed. Forming when the strawberry flower is pollinated, there are about 200 of these tiny fruit on a strawberry.

The actual flesh part of a strawberry is considered an accessory to the achene, much like a cashew apple is to the cashew.

Reddit users were left in shock after discovering that the little yellowish white ‘seeds’ on the outside of a strawberry aren’t actually seeds at all.

Upon learning this, one Reddit user gushed: “I’m actually so mind blown by this...”

Another user shared the sentiment, stating that it blew their mind more than it should’ve.

And a third confessed that they felt like they had been lied to their whole life.

Someone who might know a thing or two about strawberries is, of course, Meghan Markle - who's been dividing Netflix viewers with her latest lifestyle show.

Meghan Markle has launched her own range of goodies (As Ever)

One segment sees her showing us how to make preserves, and now she's even launched her own range of products via her As Ever brand.

“What began with a small pot of fresh fruit preserves, bubbling away in my home kitchen, has inspired this curated collection to bring surprise and delight to your every day,” the website says.

As well as raspberry spread and honey, shoppers can also snap up herbal teas, flower sprinkles and more.

Words: Merry Parton