British Strawberries Promise “Outstanding Quality” Despite Delay

Sweeter, juicier, and larger fruit will make British strawberries “worth the wait” as cooler spring temperatures delay the traditional start to the season this year, according to British Berry Growers. 

The yield is expected to be of exceptionally high quality, following dry weather, sunny intervals, and chilly overnight temperatures this spring.

In particular, the fruit has developed a richer taste profile with balanced natural sweetness after remaining on the plant for longer due to the cooler weather slowing down the ripening process.

“The start of the British strawberry season is always a highly anticipated moment, and while the cooler spring has meant consumers have had to wait a little longer this year, the quality of this fruit is outstanding,” remarked Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers. 

“An extended maturation period helps ensure shapely strawberries and enhances their flavours during development, with the cooler temperatures allowing our berries to build up incredible sweetness and size,” Marston added. 

This season, growers are harvesting berries of significant size, boasting superior quality, and good sugar levels, according to Marston.

“As the phrase goes, ‘good things come to those who wait’,” he enthused.

For Nic Leeds, director at BerryWorld’s Withers Farm in Herefordshire, the cooler spring conditions created an “ideal environment” for steady, balanced fruit to develop. 

“The result is that consumers will see sweeter, juicier and in some cases, larger berries,” Leeds explained.

Adapting To Climate Change

With growers experiencing one of the driest and sunniest Aprils in recent years, businesses are continuing to adapt fast to the country’s changing climate.

Some companies are using advanced technology like vertical farming systems to grow strawberries all year round, like Dyson Farming in Lincolnshire. 

“At Dyson Farming, we engineer the growing environment using advanced robotics, intelligent systems and renewable energy to produce British strawberries all year round,” commented the firm’s commercial manager, Lucie Redwood.

“By applying technology at every stage, we’re able to deliver consistent quality and extend the availability of a truly iconic British product,“ Redwood added.

Others are adopting AI technology to support forecasting, while embracing biological controls such as companion planting.

This entails growing additional plant species alongside berry plants which attract pollinators and natural pest predators, reducing the need for pesticide intervention.

Despite the short wait, British strawberries are on sale now at leading retailers throughout the UK.

Source: Retail Times