The first UK-grown strawberries of the year have gone on sale at supermarket chain Tesco – four days earlier than last year, according to the retailer.
This, the grocer says, was due to three factors - the mild winter, the new state of the art production techniques and an early flowering variety called Fleurette.
The strawberries were grown near Faversham in Kent by one of the UK's biggest glasshouse grower of strawberries.
Speaking on the news, Tesco strawberry buyer Henry Maulik said,
“We have worked with one of our long-standing growers to replicate the perfect growing conditions of strawberries at the height of the UK season to help customers enjoy Britain's favourite fruit as early as possible.”
He continued, “The arrival of the first English strawberries is great news for those yearning for longer, brighter days because it not only signifies the start of the British growing season but also heralds the start of springtime.”
Thanks to the innovation of growers and the recent milder winters Britain has been enjoying longer fruit growing seasons.
The traditional British strawberry season ran from May to September, but advancements in the industry in the last 15 years means that it can now last for up to nine months.
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