Strawberry season is here and with more UK-grown fruit hitting supermarket shelves, shoppers across the country are on the hunt for the perfect punnet. It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like strawberries. Whether you enjoy them as a snack with whipped cream, on top of a sponge cake or blended into a smoothie, they’re one of Britain’s favourite fruits.
But sometimes it can be tricky to know which ones will taste sweet and juicy, and which might be a bit tart and bland. Luckily, food experts have shared a simple trick to help you pick the best strawberries every time, and it’s all about looking at the top of the berry.
According to The Kitchn, farmers say shoppers should check how red a strawberry is underneath its leafy green top, also known as the calyx.
If the colour goes all the way up to the “tippy top” and the berry is deep ruby red throughout, it’s likely to be extra sweet and full of juice.
But if the area around the leaves is pale or yellowish, it may not be as ripe, and will probably taste firmer and more tart.
The Kitchn reports that the “Tip Top” rule is used by farmers when selecting strawberries at markets and on U-pick farms.
One farmer explained that “the sweetness of the berry is basically guaranteed if that redness reaches all the way up to the tippy top” and said darker red patches can be another good sign.
While the ripest strawberries are often best for eating straight away or serving with cream, firmer and slightly underripe berries can be useful too, especially if you want them to last a bit longer in the fridge.
These are usually picked slightly earlier and may stay fresh for a few more days.
For the best results, The Kitchn also recommends storing strawberries in a paper towel-lined container in the fridge, and keeping the leafy tops on until you’re ready to eat them.
