WIMBLEDON is fast approaching and those of us not reaching for tennis rackets will be scoffing the traditional strawberries and cream.
This year, British ones are sweeter than ever – and it’s all down to the UK weather.
10
British Berry Growers said the cooler spring had resulted in a slower ripening period, with fruit landing on shop shelves a month later than last year’s first harvests.
The longer growing time had produced larger berries, while the recent sunny days and cooler nights had boosted the fruit’s sugar content, making it much sweeter and juicier.
Each year, nearly two million strawberries are consumed during Wimbledon.
But if you can’t wait until the action starts to tuck in to a bowl, which supermarket ones are best?
Lynsey Hope, 42, from West Malling, Kent, tests out a range and reveals the top seed, with marks out of ten . . .
Waitrose (400g), £2.50, 62.5p per 100g
10
THESE strawberries looked very big and plump.
However, they were quite light in colour and tasted a little bit watery.
Unfortunately, just one day after I bought them they were already past their best.
Most read in Money
A pricier punnet than most and simply not worth the extra pennies.
RATING: 4
Sainsbury’s (400g), £2, 50p per 100g
10
GREAT value from Sainsbury’s but I did not like the taste.
They had a slightly chemical smell as I took off the cellophane and they really did not deliver on flavour.
The first bite was quite sweet but this soon turned to a watery taste.
I wouldn’t rush back for more.
RATING: 3
Asda (400g), £2 50p per 100g
10
THIS punnet was slighty paler in colour than others but I was impressed by these Hertforshire-grown strawberries from Asda.
They were perfectly ripe, deliciously juicy and great value at just 50p per 100g.
They looked attractive with nice big stalks and were very moreish.
RATING: 8
Morrisons (350g), £2.29, 65.4p per 100g
10
A BIT pricey for Morrisons, this punnet was a mixed bag.
Some of the strawberries were big and red while others were small and lighter in colour.
Some weren’t ripe enough and I had to leave them on the windowsill in the sun before they were good enough to eat.
RATING: 5
Tesco (400g), £2.30, 57.5p per 100g
10
I LOVED the appearance of these juicy strawberries.
They were big and bright red and they looked the most impressive.
These also had a lovely flavour and though not the cheapest, they were juicy and delicious.
No complaints at all for this punnet but beaten by Aldi for price.
RATING: 9
Lidl, (400g) £1.89 47.2p per 100g
10
A GREAT price and not a bad option if you have a big family and get through bucketloads at home.
They were less flavoursome than many of the other supermarkets’ offerings but they did last well and offer excellent value.
This punnet came out joint cheapest with Aldi at just 47.2p per 100g.
RATING: 7
Aldi (400g), £1.89 47p per 100g
10
THESE were a joy to eat.
I was really impressed by these bargain strawbs.
They had a lovely ruby red colour and smelt so delicious, I couldn’t help but tuck in.
Sizes were mixed but they had a nice crisp first bite and were plump and juicy.
You wouldn’t find better at Wimbledon – absolute winners.
RATING: 10
M&S, (300g), £2.10 70p per 100g
10
M&S strawbs have been my absolute faves in previous years, but the ones I bought this time weren’t up to scratch.
Firstly, it was a smaller punnet here than most of the others so they work out expensive per 100g.
Most were quite small and they didn’t have the juicy flavour I was hoping for, given the price.
RATING: 6
Ocado (400g), £1.90 47p per 100g
10
AN amazing-value punnet from Ocado, these were beaten on price only by Aldi and Lidl.
They had a rich, strong flavour, which I really liked and each of the strawberries was perfectly shaped and pretty.
Lovely appetising aroma too. No complaints at all.
RATING: 9
