Fruitless quest for strawberries with flavour
SIR – I agree with Duncan Rayner (Letters, August 9). I have purchased four lots of strawberries this year – one from a supermarket, the others from independent greengrocers (and advertised as grown locally) – and every single one has been completely tasteless.
I understand that growers want varieties that are disease-resistant and heavy croppers, but could they not give some thought to flavour? John Martin Soberton, Hampshire
SIR – As a former chairman of the long-defunct Strawberry Growers’ Association, I sympathise with Mr Rayner. Modern strawberry varieties are bred for maximum yield and the convenience of the retail food industry. Their “wet balsawood” texture extends their shelf-life.
Sadly, few growers will be able to offer him the experience of tasting a ripe Cambridge Favourite, or the powerfully flavoured Brenda Gautrey that preceded it. I remember old timers who lamented the decline of the Royal Sovereign, which they claimed was the “strawberrybest” of all. Never again will that lovely, strawberry-scented air waft off the fields of Kent, Cambridgeshire and Worcestershire at the height of the picking season. Tom Bliss Sleaford, Lincolnshire
SIR – Where I live, two enterprising girls, aged nine and 11, persuaded their mother to drive them to a farm in Essex, where they bought up pre-picked strawberries and sold them in their front garden.
I bought some and, after tasting their magical sweetness, told all my friends, who placed an order every week. The girls made a tidy sum.
The strawberries are less delicious now. I suggest Mr Rayner starts buying his in June and July, rather than August. Sarah Strutt Stutton, Suffolk
SIR – Come to Cheddar for the best and sweetest strawberries. The Cheddar Valley is renowned for producing the fruit, which used to be transported to London by train on the “Strawberry Line”. Sadly you will now have to collect your own. Jean Tincknell Wedmore, Somerset