From field, to fall, to greenhouse . . . there are a variety of Quebec strawberries that you can enjoy all year-round! Read on to learn more about this much-loved berry.
Field strawberries
Small red berries bursting with flavour, field strawberries take us all back to our childhood, when we would pick them straight from the plant and greedily eat them on the spot. Indeed, these juicy, robust berries have long been hailed a Quebec favourite.
Because they are so delicate, these strawberries are particularly affected by Mother Nature’s fickle ways. During dry summers, field strawberries are small, but flavourful. During wetter seasons, however, they become juicy but not as sweet. Cultivated by over 500 local farmers, field strawberries can be found in grocery stores as early as June.
Fall strawberries
After field strawberry season comes fall strawberry season! Fall strawberries, which count for 54% of the annual production, are planted in the spring and start lining grocery store shelves starting mid-July. These late-season berries aren’t as vulnerable to light and temperature changes, which means they can be harvested as late as mid-October—just in time for jam and preserve season!
There exist several varieties of fall strawberries, but the most popular here in Quebec is definitely the Seascape. Bright red and very sweet, Seascape strawberries account for 90% of local production. Aromas is yet another local variety, which is firm in texture and a little less sweet—ideal in salads or breakfast smoothies!
Greenhouse strawberries
There’s no need to deprive yourself of Quebec strawberries during the winter months! For the past couple of years, greenhouse strawberries have been available in grocery stores from October to June. They’re cultivated in a controlled environment, where the lighting, ventilation, temperature, and water are all carefully monitored. Thanks to this innovative technique, the strawberries ripen on the plant, rendering them flavourful and sweet.
Another advantage: their ecological footprint is lower than imported strawberries. Because the risk for contamination is lower, bio-protection measures are too. Plus, greenhouse harvesting isn’t bad for the environment at all.
Strawberries on the menu
No matter what variety you choose, Quebec strawberries make a great addition to any recipe. Their delicate flavour will add a summery, refreshing touch to your pudding chômeur. Tired of your regular old date square recipe? Swap out the dates for strawberries for something a little different! Or treat yourself and your family to a much-loved classic:
strawberry shortcake !
On hot summer nights, whip up a tub of strawberry sorbet. Easy to make, all you need is strawberries and maple syrup. Purée in a food processor, transfer to a sorbet maker, and enjoy!
Strawberries tickle our taste buds and can be enjoyed a million different ways. There’s no reason not to indulge . . . and they’re available in most Quebec grocery stores as of right now!
