Strawberries have always had a reputation for being an aphrodisiac. With their red colour and heart shapes, they became a symbol of Venus, the Greek goddess of love. In France, there was even a tradition of serving strawberry soup to newlyweds.

The first garden strawberries were produced 300 years ago in France thanks to King Louis XIV, a well-known admirer of the fruit. Strawberries originated through cross-breeding of the Virginian and Chilean woodland berries.

The peach tree and its fruit were once worshipped in China - the fruit was considered sacred. It was forbidden to cut the tree down, and when the trunk decayed, it was burnt. The common peach, or Prunus persica, belongs to the Rosaceae family. It comes from China, where its fruit was already being eaten 4000 years ago!

Passion fruit has a somewhat-calming effect. For this reason, it is recommended for persons suffering from constant anxiety and insomnia. Of course everyone needs to relax from time to time. Passion fruit (or maracuya) are the common names of this fruit. Officially it is known as Passiflora edulis. The English name has religious symbolism, but - who knows - maybe it also has to do with the passion some people have for it.

Filipinos hang raspberry branches above doors to protect their homes from evil spirits.

The delicious raspberry known from our gardens is a priceless treasure trove of exquisite flavours, vitamins and minerals.

Although the fruit has been known since prehistoric times, Europeans started cultivating it only in the Middle Ages.

In many cultures cherry blossom is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life, life's transience but also beauty. The Cherry is a member of the Rosaceae family. Around 60 cherry species are cultivated in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, mainly eastern Asia.

Vanilla is an unripened fruit of the vanilla orchid. Its pods are odourless. The characteristic sweet scent is released during the time-consuming fermentation process. This might be the most-romantic story in the botanical world - the story of orchids which bloom at sunrise, only to die at twilight.

The apple hasn't always been a snack. Originally, it was used as a medicine, with its high content of health-promoting substances and vitamins. Wild apple trees originated in China and Central Asia, and from that region they travelled to Europe, finding perfect conditions for growth.

The mango tree is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. People in India use its leaves to decorate the room of a new-born child. And when they visit their friends, they take a basket full of mango as a visible sign of their friendship. Mango is believed to be the food of the gods. The tree is a symbol of love, wealth, fertility and even immortality.

A temptation of colours, shapes and flavours, exotic fruit makes market stalls look like paintings and catch our eye. Poland is still new to year-round access to the luscious pineapples, peaches and oranges. So let's enjoy them! Exotic fruits make us happy in two ways. First, with their taste. It has been scientifically proven that eating mouth-watering, juicy and sweet fruit boosts our mood. Secondly, with their "story-telling" quality. Research shows that eating exotic fruit makes us feel as if we were on exotic travels. You thought you were eating a pineapple while in reality you were visiting Brazil!

Strawberries have always had a reputation for being an aphrodisiac. With their red colour and heart shapes, they became a symbol of Venus, the Greek goddess of love. In France, there was even a tradition of serving strawberry soup to newlyweds. The first garden strawberries were produced 300 years ago in France thanks to King Louis XIV, a well-known admirer of the fruit. Strawberries originated through cross-breeding of the Virginian and Chilean woodland berries.