The Finnish strawberry season is now in full swing, and with it comes a delightful array of ways to enjoy these succulent berries. According to a recent survey by Kesko, strawberries have emerged as the top choice for Finnish consumers during the summer months, with 81% of respondents favoring them over other local fruits and vegetables.
Popular Ways to Enjoy Strawberries
When it comes to consumption, simplicity reigns supreme. An impressive 85% of survey participants prefer to eat domestic strawberries fresh and unadorned. This preference highlights the quality and sweetness of Finnish strawberries, making them perfect for eating straight from the punnet.
Following fresh strawberries, the next most popular ways to enjoy them include using them in desserts (35%) and pairing them with whipped cream (20%). These options add a delightful twist, enhancing the natural sweetness of the strawberries while introducing additional textures and flavors.
Availability Throughout the Summer
The variety of domestic strawberries available during the season is vast, with new cultivars making their way to the market continually. As noted by Nanette Karttunen, Kesko’s purchasing and sales manager, this evolving selection means there isn’t a single dominant variety. Instead, shoppers can expect to see different types throughout the summer months, thanks to practices like tunnel cultivation that extend the growing season.
This seasonality allows for a diverse experience at grocery stores, where the available strawberry varieties are refreshed regularly. “This week, you might find one type and in a couple of weeks, another,” Karttunen explains. Each variety comes with its own unique characteristics, giving consumers a chance to discover new favorites.
The Shift to Pre-packaged Strawberries
Interestingly, there has been a noticeable shift from bulk sales to packaged strawberries. In previous years, strawberries were sold more evenly in boxes and trays. However, now, the majority of sales come from pre-packaged options, indicating that more consumers are inclined to buy strawberries ready-to-eat rather than waiting to prepare or freeze them.
Yet, freezing strawberries still holds a place in Finnish summer traditions. The survey revealed that one in three Finns (36%) freeze strawberries every summer, while 26% do so occasionally, and 17% do it infrequently. Only 20% of respondents reported that they never freeze strawberries, suggesting that preserving the harvest for later use is still a common practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Finnish strawberry season not only brings forth fresh and delicious berries but also underscores a cultural preference for enjoying them in their purest form. With a variety of ways to savor these delightful fruits, from eating them fresh to incorporating them into dishes, there is no shortage of enjoyment during the peak strawberry season. As the season progresses, consumers can look forward to discovering new varieties and continuing a cherished tradition of preserving summer flavors for the months to come.
