Waitrose has begun stocking its first British strawberries of the season thanks to the unseasonably warm weather.
Lusa strawberries, grown in greenhouses near Preston by Medlar Farms, are going into selected stores from 1 March, selling for £3.50 for 260g. The light levels and close proximity to the sea make it the ideal place to grow early-season glasshouse strawberries, according to the supermarket, which added that glasshouse production ensures 'consistent quality, shape and the perfect sweet strawberry flavour usually associated with British summer time whilst minimising food miles'.
Nicki Baggot, Waitrose's soft-fruit buyer, said, “Despite some cold weather early on in the year, the last few weeks of sunshine have helped speed up with the ripening process of our British strawberries.
'Spring is now well on its way and those wishing for sunnier climes can start to prepare summery dishes such as Eton Mess and strawberries and cream or perfect on top of a pancake for Shrove Tuesday. We are very proud of the quality of our strawberriesand we’re thrilled to be able to offer them to our customers.”
Last month Aldi claimed to have won the race to be first to market with new-season British strawberries.
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