Rung #45 hints and answer

July 14, 2026. Here is the full clue ladder for this puzzle, gentlest first. Each rung is worth fewer points, so open only what you need. The answer stays hidden until you click.

Hint 1, worth 5 points

Hundreds of tiny fruits dot my skin, each holding one seed, riding on a swollen sweet base.

Hint 2, worth 4 points

I grow low to the ground on a runner, the first sweet thing to ripen when summer arrives.

Hint 3, worth 3 points

I ripen from pale green to a deep glossy red, growing sweeter and softer with each warm day.

Hint 4, worth 2 points

Dipped in chocolate or piled on shortcake, I'm the heart-shaped jewel of the summer patch.

Hint 5, worth 1 point

Hull me and slice me over cream, and I turn a bowl of sugar into the taste of summer.

Extra hint, the shape of the answer

10 letters, starts with “S”.

Reveal the answer to Rung #45

STRAWBERRY

Strawberries aren't berries. Botanically, the 'seeds' on the outside are each a separate fruit, around 200 per strawberry.

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