STRAWBERRY DELIGHT

There is nothing to compare to the taste of British grown strawberries. My garden crop of strawberries are doing really well this year and I expect to be eating the fruit in a few weeks. And it seems that's the case across the UK with the 2016 crop expected to be 11% bigger than last year's. Some of it is down to ideal weather conditions and some to an increased demand for healthier food. Sales of British berries overall could exceed £1billion for the first time, but strawberries are way ahead of the rest, accounting for 51% of the total and adding up to 73,000 tons. I wont have that many from my garden but certainly enough to eat and to make into jam.

Strawberries are the summer favourite among super-foods, with just seven providing an adult's recommended daily amount of vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B6, copper and magnesium. That's a lot! Scientists say they also contain antioxidants and other chemicals that could help prevent cancer.

Berries used to be luxury items but now, thanks to cheaper supermarket competition driving down prices, they are a delicious staple, consumed as part of a healthy diet. The UK strawberry season used to last for only 6 weeks, however the introduction of polytunnels and new British varieties has extended it to as much as 38 weeks. The British strawberry harvest is worth £564million -  less my harvest, of course!