Season

The season for English strawberries now

extends from mid June until the beginning

of August by making use of many different

varieties.  Before or after this time fruit

must be grown in tunnels; but most fruit

continues to be grown in the traditional

manner in the ground.

Picking

Do not pull the fruit, which can result in

the calyx being removed or even the plug.

 This reduces the shelf-life of the fruit.

 Instead, gripping the fruit behind the calyx,

sever the stalk with the fingernails.  Take care

not to squeeze the fruit since bruising damage

will be caused. 

Varieties  

Look for these in order of ripening:

Honeoye is a dark red fruit which should be picked when it is fully ripe to get the best flavour.

Korona is another early variety with a dark skin, but with an excellent flavour.

Elsanta is a high quality, popular, sweet variety with a firm skin.

Eros is similar to Elsanta, but not as popular.

Hapil  is a vigorous plant which has large sweet fruit with slightly prominent "pips".

Pegasus is very vigorous and can be relied upon to give heavy crops.  It should not be picked too hard, but given time to ripen fully.

Symphony is another popular, sweet, firm skinned variety that is at its best when properly ripe.

Florence is a late variety which picks until the end of July.  It has a good flavour, but a slightly soft skin.

Sophie is an attractive variety which finishes the season, but its flavour is a bit weak.