Fragola, Fragola Selvatica or di Bosco

Wild strawberries, called fragole di bosco, grow in woodland areas. They are much smaller than the cultivated variety and have a much stronger flavour. They fetch a much higher price than commercially grown strawberries and, despite attempts to cultivate them, the real thing still cannot be beaten. Wild strawberries only need a little sugar and a few drops of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar as an accompaniment if they are eaten on their own, but they are also wonderful in fruit tarts and in all the same recipes using cultivated strawberry, such as confectionery, liqueurs, preserves, jams and gelatines. Strawberries may also be candied and used as a filling and decoration for many cakes, sweets and desserts.