winter strawberries: A Sweet Surprise for the Colder Months
When you think of strawberries, summer picnics and sunny afternoons likely come to mind.But did you know these vibrant red fruits can also brighten up your winter days? While strawberries are Britain’s most iconic summer berries, they often fade from the spotlight when the temperature drops. Though,thanks to innovative farming techniques and a growing demand for year-round produce,strawberries are making a comeback in winter recipes.
The Strawberry Season: A Summer Staple
Table of Contents
The typical strawberry season in the UK spans from late May to September, with June to August being the peak months. These juicy, seeded fruits are a staple of British summers, enjoyed fresh or incorporated into desserts, salads, and drinks. But what happens when winter rolls around?
Supermarkets often stock imported strawberries from countries like Morocco and Egypt during the colder months. However,the quality of these berries doesn’t always match the plump,juicy standards of summer harvests. Enter The summer Berry company (TSBC), a year-round fruit supplier on a mission to fill the gap in British strawberry availability during winter.
Growing Strawberries in Winter: A Controlled Habitat
TSBC’s commercial director,Jack Darnes,shared exclusive insights with Express.co.uk about how the company grows high-quality strawberries even in the depths of winter. “The controlled environment allows us to produce really high-quality strawberries for everyone, especially during the winter,” Darnes explained.
Their glasshouse in Chichester, west Sussex, provides the perfect conditions for cultivating strawberries year-round. This innovation ensures that Brits can enjoy fresh, locally grown strawberries even when the weather outside is frosty.
Health Benefits of Winter Strawberries
Strawberries aren’t just a treat for your taste buds—they’re also packed with nutrients. These vibrant fruits are a natural source of vitamin C, folate, and fibre, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Whether enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into meals, strawberries can help you stay on track with your wellness goals.
A Quick and easy Winter Strawberry Recipe
Looking for a way to incorporate winter strawberries into your diet? Try these colourful and quick strawberry snack balls. Perfect as a sweet treat or a healthy breakfast addition, they take just 10 minutes to prepare.
Method
- Blend the Strawberries: Add prepared strawberries to a blender or food processor and blitz until roughly chopped.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the remaining ingredients (excluding desiccated coconut) and blend into a thick paste. Taste and adjust sweetness with an extra date or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes to firm it up.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the mixture into 12 balls. If desired, coat them in desiccated coconut for an extra layer of flavor.
- Store: Keep the strawberry bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Why Winter Strawberries Matter
The availability of winter strawberries is more than just a convenience—it’s a testament to the ingenuity of modern agriculture. By leveraging controlled environments, companies like TSBC are ensuring that Brits can enjoy their favorite fruits year-round, without compromising on quality.
so, the next time you’re craving a burst of sweetness during the colder months, reach for a handful of winter strawberries. Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into a quick recipe, these berries are sure to brighten your day.
| Key Points | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Strawberry Season | Late may to September, peaking June-August |
| Winter Strawberries | Grown in controlled environments by companies like TSBC |
| Health Benefits | Rich in vitamin C, folate, and fibre |
| Quick Recipe | Strawberry snack balls, ready in 10 minutes |
| Storage | Fridge: 2-3 days; Freezer: Longer storage |
Winter strawberries are proof that even in the coldest months, a little sweetness is never out of reach.
Winter Strawberries: A Sweet Surprise for the Colder Months
When you think of strawberries, summer picnics and sunny afternoons likely come to mind. But did you no these vibrant red fruits can also brighten up your winter days? Thanks to innovative farming techniques and a growing demand for year-round produce, strawberries are making a comeback in winter recipes. To delve deeper into this topic, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a horticulture specialist and expert in sustainable agriculture, to discuss the rise of winter strawberries, their health benefits, and how they’re transforming our diets even in the coldest months.
The Strawberry Season: A Summer Staple
Senior Editor: Dr. carter, strawberries are often associated with summer.Can you tell us about the traditional strawberry season in the UK and why it’s so closely tied to warmer weather?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely! The traditional strawberry season in the UK runs from late May to September, with peak availability between June and August. Strawberries thrive in warm, sunny conditions, which is why they’re such a quintessential summer fruit. During this time, they’re at their juiciest and most flavorful, making them perfect for everything from desserts to fresh snacking.
Senior Editor: So, what happens when winter arrives? Do strawberries just disappear from our plates?
Dr. Emily Carter: Not anymore! While it’s true that strawberries were once a seasonal treat, advancements in agriculture have changed the game.Companies like The Summer Berry Company (TSBC) are using controlled environments to grow strawberries year-round. This means we can now enjoy high-quality strawberries even in the depths of winter.
Growing Strawberries in Winter: A Controlled Habitat
Senior Editor: That’s captivating! Can you explain how these controlled environments work?
Dr. Emily Carter: Of course. TSBC, for example, uses glasshouses in Chichester, West Sussex, to create the ideal growing conditions for strawberries. These glasshouses allow farmers to control temperature, humidity, and light, mimicking the perfect summer surroundings. This ensures the strawberries grow plump, juicy, and flavorful, regardless of the weather outside.
Senior Editor: How does this compare to imported strawberries that we often see in supermarkets during winter?
Dr. Emily Carter: Imported strawberries, often from countries like Morocco or Egypt, can be hit or miss in terms of quality.They’re picked before they’re fully ripe to survive the long journey, which can affect their taste and texture. Locally grown winter strawberries, conversely, are harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring they’re just as flavorful as their summer counterparts.
Health Benefits of Winter Strawberries
Senior Editor: Beyond their taste, strawberries are known for their health benefits. Can you tell us more about why they’re such a nutritious choice, especially in winter?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely! Strawberries are a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re rich in vitamin C, which is essential for boosting immunity—somthing we all need during the colder months.They’re also a great source of folate, which supports cell function, and fiber, which aids digestion. Plus, they’re low in calories, making them a guilt-free snack or addition to meals.
Senior Editor: That’s great to know. Do you have any tips for incorporating winter strawberries into our diets?
dr. Emily Carter: definitely! Winter strawberries are incredibly versatile.You can enjoy them fresh, add them to smoothies, or use them in recipes like the strawberry snack balls mentioned earlier. They’re a fantastic way to add a burst of sweetness and nutrition to your day,whether it’s breakfast,a snack,or even dessert.
The Future of Winter Strawberries
Senior Editor: It sounds like winter strawberries are here to stay. What do you see as the future of this trend?
Dr. Emily Carter: I think we’ll see even more innovation in this space. As consumers become more conscious of sustainability and food miles, locally grown winter strawberries offer a fantastic solution. They reduce the need for imports and provide fresh, high-quality produce year-round. I also expect to see more creative recipes and uses for winter strawberries as they become a staple in our diets.
Senior Editor: That’s exciting to hear! Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this sweet and nutritious topic.
Dr.Emily Carter: My pleasure! It’s always a joy to talk about the wonders of strawberries, no matter the season.
Winter strawberries are proof that even in the coldest months, a little sweetness is never out of reach. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh or incorporating them into a fast recipe, these vibrant berries are sure to brighten your day. So, the next time you’re craving a burst of flavour, reach for a handful of winter strawberries—they’re a treat for your taste buds and your health!
