Govind Tekale
British strawberry lovers are in for a treat this season. Growers across the UK are harvesting strawberries up to 20% larger than usual, with some berries weighing as much as 50 grams – comparable in size to plums or even kiwi fruits.
The secret behind these supersized berries? A perfect mix of weather conditions. Warm, sunny days followed by cool nights have created ideal growing conditions, leading to both bigger and sweeter fruit.
“I have genuinely never seen a harvest produce such large berries consistently,” says Bartosz Pinkosz, operations director at the Summer Berry Company. “Some are so big you cannot fit them in your mouth.”
The company’s West Sussex farm has already seen production jump to 200 tonnes – 50 tonnes more than the same time last year. While the average strawberry typically weighs around 25 grams, many this season are substantially larger, with some reaching that impressive 50-gram mark.
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Nick Marston, Chairman of British Berry Growers, points to the exceptional quality of this year’s crop. “We’re seeing very good size, shape, appearance, and most of all, really great flavor and sugar content,” he notes.
This marks a dramatic shift from 2024’s growing season, which faced delays due to one of the wettest winters on record. The current success stems from specific weather patterns: plenty of sunshine allows plants to build up energy during the day, while cooler nights help them channel that energy into developing larger, sweeter berries.
Marion Regan, who has grown strawberries for over 50 years at Hugh Lowe Farms, highlights the remarkable sweetness of this year’s crop. Her farm supplies strawberries to the Wimbledon Championships, where visitors consume over 38.4 tonnes – nearly 2 million individual berries – during the tournament.
Despite the promising start, growers remain watchful of potential challenges. The unusually dry spring has sparked concerns about summer drought conditions, particularly in southeastern England. While farmers have irrigation systems in place, many note that some natural rainfall would be beneficial for continued growth.
Weather forecasts suggest some relief might be on the way. The coming week promises good growing conditions with long sunny spells and cool nights, though some areas might see scattered showers. More widespread rain is expected in the following weeks, which could help address the drought concerns in what’s shaping up to be the driest spring in over a century.
The larger size hasn’t compromised quality – if anything, the slower ripening process has enhanced it. These strawberries are not just bigger but also firmer and more flavorful, offering a sweeter taste that meets consumer preferences for high-quality British fruit.
For those wondering how to best enjoy these supersized berries, they can be eaten as is or paired with traditional cream. Food experts suggest trying them with a touch of black pepper or balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural sweetness, while a hint of chili can create an interesting flavor balance.
