There’s something special about the first proper strawberries of summer. Sweet, juicy and full of flavour, they are one of the simple pleasures that make warmer days feel that bit brighter.
British strawberries are typically in season from May or early June through to late August, although the exact timing can vary depending on the weather. Outdoor crops are often at their best from late spring into summer, making this the perfect time to enjoy them fresh, bake with them or preserve them for later.
Of course, strawberries can be found on supermarket shelves throughout the year, but there is nothing quite like the flavour of freshly picked, in-season strawberries. They are perfect with cream, lovely in a summer pudding and ideal for making your own homemade strawberry jam.
Strawberries have been eaten since Roman times and are native to both the Old and New worlds. Often ingested for medicinal purposes, they were used to treat ailments of the digestive system, discolouration of the teeth and skin complaints. Strawberries that we grow and love today originally descended from varieties dating back to the 17th Century.
Strawberry plants are actually a member of the rose family and strawberries are not technically a fruit. They are a pseudocarp which offers a fruit-like structure but the seeds on the outer surface are actually the fruits.
Strawberries are a classic British summer favourite for good reason. They are naturally sweet, easy to prepare and work beautifully in both simple snacks and special desserts.
Enjoy them fresh from the punnet, slice them over breakfast, serve them with scones and clotted cream, or use them to make a light summer dessert. They are also brilliant for baking, blending, freezing and preserving.
A good punnet of strawberries can quickly become:
If you are based in Devon or near Plymouth, strawberry season is a great excuse to visit a local pick-your-own farm. It’s a simple, enjoyable day out and freshly picked fruit always tastes better.
Here are a few local spots to try:
Before visiting, always check each farm’s latest updates, as opening times and fruit availability can change quickly.
Strawberry jam is one of the simplest ways to make the most of the season. It also means you can preserve those fresh summer flavours to enjoy later in the year. You do not need lots of complicated equipment, but the right essentials do make the process easier, cleaner and more reliable.
At Lawson Shop, our Jam Making collection includes jars, funnels, straining bags, preserving pans and other useful pieces for homemade preserves.
For this recipe, you may find the following particularly useful:
Clean, sterilised jars are especially important. If your jars are not properly sterilised, bacteria can spoil your jam and cause fermentation or mould.
Strawberries are naturally lower in pectin than some other fruits, so jam sugar is a good choice as it already contains added pectin. You can also add powdered pectin if preferred, but for a simple home recipe, jam sugar keeps things easy.
Once you have made your jam, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Spread it on hot buttered toast, serve it with scones and clotted cream, spoon it into porridge, swirl it through yoghurt or use it as a classic Victoria sponge filling.
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Choose a pretty jar, add a handwritten label and finish with a little ribbon or fabric cover for a simple seasonal present.
Whether you are picking your own strawberries, baking a summer dessert or making jam for the months ahead, strawberry season is well worth celebrating.
Browse our full Jam Making collection to find jars, funnels, preserving pans and accessories for homemade jams, chutneys and preserves.
Sources:
http://www.eattheseasons.co.uk/Articles/strawberries.php
https://www.waresofknutsford.co.uk/blog/hurrah-for-strawberry-jam-season-/
https://blog.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/jam-season-begins/
