If you’ve been to Tesco or Asda lately, you’ve probably seen those massive strawberries sitting in the fruit section — and yeah, you’re not imagining it. They are way bigger than usual. Some people are super excited about them, but others are starting to wonder if it’s something we should be worried about.
Let’s break down what’s actually going on with these supersized berries.
What Made These Strawberries So Big This Year?
Honestly, it all comes down to the weather. We had a really gloomy winter in the UK — barely any sunshine. But then spring showed up and surprised everyone by being one of the sunniest we’ve had in years. That mix of a dark winter followed by a bright, warm spring is kinda rare, but it turns out strawberries love it.
-
Farmers say these conditions made the berries grow about 10 to 20% bigger than what we normally see.
-
Some of them are hitting 50 grams each — which is like, the size of a small plum or even a kiwi. Pretty wild, right?
Do They Taste Different Too?
Yep, and in a good way. Because of how the weather played out — warm days and cool nights — the strawberries didn’t just grow bigger, they also got sweeter. Like, way sweeter.
-
They had more time to ripen slowly, which helped them build up more natural sugars.
-
People who’ve tried them say they taste richer and juicier than usual.
So yeah, they’re not just big for show — they actually taste better too.
But... Is There a Downside?
Well, maybe. Some experts are raising concerns about the long-term effects of this weather pattern. Sure, it gave us giant, sweet strawberries this time, but the dry start to the year has some folks worried.
-
If this dry trend keeps going, it might cause droughts.
-
That could mess with future crops — like, we might not get the same quality or quantity next time.
So while this season’s strawberries are great, it’s kind of a mixed bag when you think about the bigger picture.
Things To Keep In Mind If You’re Buying Them
If you’re picking up a box of these big strawberries, there are a few things worth knowing:
-
They don’t last as long – Big berries can go soft quicker, so pop them in the fridge and eat them soon.
-
Might need a bit of prep – Because they’re large, you might want to cut them up before using them in recipes or desserts.
-
Good value though – Even if they cost a little more, you’re getting more fruit for your money, so that’s a plus.
Perfect Timing for Wimbledon Fans
One fun thing? This bumper crop of strawberries showed up just in time for Wimbledon. And if you’ve ever watched the tournament, you know strawberries and cream is like a whole thing there.
So fans heading to the matches this year are in for a treat — those strawberries they’re eating? Probably some of the biggest and sweetest we’ve seen in ages.
