The summer starts here

Fruit lovers are in for a strawberry delight as the cool spring weather means we are looking at a bumper crop. Summer has arrived, with Wimbledon just around the corner it can only mean one thing, strawberry season! We’re in for a treat as it’s better than ever this year. The bumper crop comes courtesy of the cool weather in recent months which has extended flowering.

‘‘Flower numbers are high and fruit set has been good. We’ve had the advantage of cool conditions in flowering season, which has drawn the season out nicely to allow plenty of opportunity for picking this summer,’’ said Paul Keene, owner of Primrose Farm Shop. We are lucky in Gloucestershire to have strawberries grown on our doorstep and everybody knows that buying locally is the best way to get fruit at its freshest and most flavorsome.

Rob Keene, owner of Over Farm Market said ‘‘Buying locally means that we can enjoy succulent and tasty British strawberries whilst strengthening the local economy and reducing food miles.’’

Martin Harrell, owner of Hayles Fruit Farm said ‘‘You could always get along to your nearest pick your own farm and select your very own strawberries this year.’’

Paul Grimes, owner of Wotton Farm Shop said ‘‘Pick your Own is the best way to get the freshest and most delicious foods from field to fork and it’s fun for all the family.’’