Strawberries bloom in temperatures between 22-23°C degrees. Traditionally, open ground strawberries, come on the market in May. With the development of greenhouse production, strawberries can now be available as early as Chinese New Year in February.
In fact, most strawberries that are supplied to Chinese markets are winter strawberries. Sales start in December and run all the way through to May. When the weather gets warmer, the season is finished. But now, in regions around Hebei and Beijing, greenhouse 'summer strawberries' are becoming popular. These strawberries are grown in greenhouses that keep the temperature stable around 22 degrees, which is significantly lower than the outside temperature in these hot summer months.
In fact, most strawberries that are supplied to Chinese markets are winter strawberries. Sales start in December and run all the way through to May. When the weather gets warmer, the season is finished. But now, in regions around Hebei and Beijing, greenhouse 'summer strawberries' are becoming popular. These strawberries are grown in greenhouses that keep the temperature stable around 22 degrees, which is significantly lower than the outside temperature in these hot summer months.
Mr. Wang cultivates summer strawberries in Beijing. He says that "compared to winter strawberries, the flesh of summer strawberries is more firm. So they are more easily transported. They can reach 18 brix of sugar content, and almost no acidity."
"When they go on sale in June, the weather is getting warmer. Because summer strawberries are only cultivated in a few regions, supply does not meet demand. So the price is higher than for winter strawberries," says Mr. Wang.
Mr. Wang adds: "we have 13 hectares of cultivation ground. This year is the second year that we harvest. In one season, we harvested around 350,000 kg. We pack the strawberries in cases of 400g. With the improvements in cultivation technology and expansion of cultivation surface, we will consider exporting when the production volume is stabilised. That way, even more people can taste our summer strawberries."
For more information:
Mr. Wang
Telephone: (+86) 135 2121 5258