The British strawberry season officially starts on 1 May and marks the move from the spring to summer with longer milder days and the opportunity to start enjoying alfresco eating again.
This year there’ll be a better selection of British strawberries in supermarkets than ever before due to the introduction of new varieties that have been developed specifically to suit the UK climate and consumers, who like naturally sweet strawberries.
Sweet Eve and Eve’s Delight are two new varieties that are higher in natural sugar with a pleasant perfumed aroma and longer shelf life, which should appeal to people looking for increased value for money from their British berries this summer. Sweet Eve and Eve’s Delight will be available this year in selected supermarkets from July until September.
Other home grown strawberries are in plentiful supply throughout the month of May, with the peak of the season being during June and July. Depending on the summer weather they are expected to remain in season until the end of September.
Elsanta is the most well known strawberry variety available in British supermarkets due to its sweet taste, yielding texture and glossy skin. Other varieties include Ava, grown mainly in Scotland and available from June to September; the Symphony, available from mid-June to mid July; and Florence available from mid-June to the end of July.
One of the most versatile of fruits, strawberries can be enjoyed straight from the punnet, as a healthy smoothie or with the more traditional sugar, cream or ice-cream. Strawberries should always be served at room temperature to best enjoy their full flavour and powerful aroma.
