This year, tennis enthusiasts at Wimbledon might notice strawberries of a larger size and richer flavor, attributed to a wet and dark winter that extended the growing period. The British strawberry season has been delayed by two weeks, with the peak harvest anticipated at the end of June. This delay, caused by continued wet and cold conditions and reduced sunlight this spring, has allowed strawberries to mature and bloom more slowly, leading to the development of bigger, more flavorful fruits.
Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers: "The slower ripening period will allow flavors to develop as the strawberries grow to become particularly large and juicy. It will be a fantastic year for British strawberries."
Despite the challenges posed by 11 named storms since September, resulting in widespread flooding and crop damage, strawberries cultivated under polytunnels have been shielded from the adverse weather. These strawberries, measuring between 28mm and 40mm, will be available on shelves throughout the summer. Strawberries remain the UK's most purchased fruit, with a 28% market share and record spending of £847m over the past year, according to Kantar. Marston also hinted at the possibility of larger varieties of other berries, depending on future conditions.
Source: theguardian.com