Seasonal strawberries : varieties, when they're in season and tips on how to choose them

Seasonal strawberriesare undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited fruit of spring. A symbol of sweetness and renewal, they make their grand return to market stalls as soon as the first warm days arrive. But did you know that there are dozens of varieties, each with its own unique flavour profile? In this article, we’ll guide you through getting to know this much-loved fruit better, choosing the best varieties, and making the most of the strawberry season.

When does the strawberry season start ?

In France, the peak strawberry season generally runs from March to October, with production peaking in May and June. It is during these two months that strawberries are at their tastiest, most fragrant and most affordable.

The french strawberry season :

• March - May : The first strawberries of the season, still delicate but very fragrant. This is often when early varieties such as Gariguette are available.

• May - June : Peak season. This is THE perfect time to enjoy them. Supplies are plentiful, prices are low, and the quality is excellent.

• July - August : The heat slows down production. Strawberries are still available but may be less fragrant if a heatwave sets in.

• September - October : The return of everbearing strawberries. Cooler nights help develop the flavours.

Outside this season, the strawberries you find in supermarkets usually come from Spain or Morocco. They are often larger and firmer... but far less fragrant. All the more reason to choose seasonal French strawberries !

The main seasonal strawberry varieties you should know about

Not all strawberries are the same. Here’s an overview of the most iconic varieties you’ll find at markets depending on the season.

🍓The Gariguette

Elongated, bright red and slighylt tart, the Gariguette is the French people’s favourite variety. It is among the first to appear in markets from April onwards. It has an intense aroma and delicate flesh. It is ideal eaten on its own or with a little crème fraîche.

🍓The Ciflorette

Less well-known than the Gariguette, the Ciflorette is nonetheless a gem. Its flesh is melt-in-the-mouth, very sweet, with hints of wild strawberry. It is perfect for desserts and jams.

🍓The Charlotte

The Charlotte is a sure bet. Round, firm and well-balanced in terms of sweetness and acidity, it lends itself to all kinds of uses: in tarts, fruit salads, smoothies or simply on a yoghurt cake. Its season runs from May to July.

🍓The Clery

Grown mainly in Lot-et-Garonne, the Clery is one of the first strawberries of the season. Large, bright red and sweet, it is very popular with families for its generous size.

How to choose the best strawberries ?

To make sure you never go wrong, here are a few simple rules to remember :

Check the colour : A good strawberry should be uniformly red, right down to the stem. A strawberry that is white at the base is not yet ripe.

Smell before you buy : The scent doesn’t lie. A strawberry with no smell will have no flavour. If you can’t smell anything, move on!

Check the firmness : A strawberry that’s too soft is overripe and won’t keep. If it’s too hard, it’s not ripe enough.

Go for the small ones : As a general rule, small strawberries have a higher concentration of sugars and flavour than large ones. It’s not the size that determines the quality !

Our storage tips

Strawberries are delicate. Here’s how best to store them:

• Don’t wash them before storing : Water makes them go soft more quickly.

• Keep them in the fridge in their original punnet, at a temperature of between 4 and 7°C.

• Eat them quickly : ideally within 24 to 48 hours of purchase.

• Take them out 15 minutes before eating : the cold dampens the flavours, and they reveal their full aroma at room temperature.

Conclusion

Enjoying seasonal strawberries is, above all, a choice for flavour, respect for producers and more sustainable farming. By choosing local, seasonal strawberries, you’re supporting farmers in your region and ensuring you get fruit at the peak of its flavour. Head to the markets from April onwards to tuck into the first seasonal strawberries of the year!