Just because it’s winter now, doesn’t mean people don’t enjoy fresh strawberries this time of year. But as you’re pursuing the produce aisle, you may do a double take. Those strawberries may look a little different – particularly, their size and shape.
Farmers say it’s due to recent unseasonably warm winter, but does that mean you’ll pay more?
Kenneth Parker, Executive Director for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association says the recent warm weather has left some strawberries with an odd shape. “The berries have been a little smaller than we would like,” Parker says.
The taste however, shouldn’t be any different. “They’re gonna taste good,” Parker says.
Researchers are constantly working on perfecting strawberries to have a longer shelf life so that they’re not only bigger, but sweeter and are able to grow well during the winter. Parker says the supply of desirable strawberries is good so you shouldn’t see the price sprout up and this current cool snap, he adds, is right on time.
Different fruits and vegetables may actually taste better right now. Farmers say “cold-hardy” crops improve in flavor when the mercury drops. That includes produce like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, and turnips – in fact, all greens. Experts say the cold weather removes the bitterness and makes them sweeter.
