Strawberries ‘bigger and sweeter’
They are a staple of Wimbledon fortnight, and tennis fans could find their strawberries even sweeter than usual this year, according to industry experts.
Rather than ruining the chances of strawberries and cream this summer, the long winter has contributed to making the fruit bigger and better.
British Summer Fruits said the delay to the start of this year’s strawberry season, caused by cooler weather, has resulted in stronger plants which boost the size of the fruit and sugar levels, making them sweeter and juicier.
It will be welcome news for Wimbledon-goers when the tournament starts next week.
With strawberries and cream one of the best-known elements of the Grand Slam, at least 28 tonnes of strawberries are expected to be eaten over the championship, served with more than 7,000 litres of fresh cream.
Around 8,615 punnets – priced the same as last year at £2.50 – will be consumed per day.
And they are likely to be as tasty as ever, according to experts.
British Summer Fruits, which represents 85% of berry growers, said the sweetness of strawberries is measured in degrees Brix (Bx), which represents the density or concentration of sugar in a solution.
In the first week of the season, strawberries need to achieve a minimum of seven degrees Bx, and this spring strawberry growers have already reported higher Brix levels, with some samples above 10 degrees Bx.
Some have also reported an increase in the size of this year’s strawberries, with fruit up to 15% bigger.
British Summer Fruits chairman Laurence Olins said: “Strawberries are a British staple of the early summer season.
“It may have been a later start to the British strawberry season, but there will be a good supply of British strawberries for everyone to enjoy.
“Strawberry fans will be pleased to hear that the fruit is sweeter and juicier than normal. This is due to the cold spring causing the plants to put down good, strong root systems which are now producing exceptional berries.
“These are full of flavour and very sweet. So there’s no need to put sugar on your strawberries this year whilst watching Wimbledon – just eat them as they are, or doused in double cream.”
Strawberries for the Wimbledon fortnight are supplied by Hugh Lowe Farms in Mereworth near Maidstone, Kent, who are the sole suppliers to official caterer FMC.
To make sure they are the freshest they can be, they are picked the day before being served, arriving in Wimbledon at around 5.30am, when they are inspected before being hulled.
Owner Marion Regan, 52, said this year’s crop was timed perfectly for Wimbledon.
“With the coldest spring for 50 years, the strawberries flowered later than usual, but this means that the crop will peak in late June/early July.
“Because it has had plenty of time to develop, we are seeing some of the finest fruit for a long time.
“The berries have grown to a good size and are very sweet. Often food that has not been rushed tastes better.”
The strawberries were planted last year, timed to be ready for picking for the tournament, and a special team of pickers are tasked with going out early in the morning each day to gather them, ready to be delivered the 30 miles to London overnight, and served fresh the next day.
Have you got any Wimbledon tickets this year?
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