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STRAWBERRIES

Sweet, Fragrant & Bursting with Summer Flavour

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Bright, fragrant berries grown for exceptional freshness, flavour and seasonal sweetness.

WHAT WE LOVE

There’s nothing quite like fresh strawberries at the height of the season. Juicy, vibrant and incredibly versatile, they bring natural sweetness and colour to everything from breakfast bowls and salads to desserts and cocktails. Southern Forests strawberries are loved for their fresh-picked flavour, delicate fragrance and the simple joy of eating them straight from the punnet.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Strawberries are naturally high in vitamin C — just one handful can provide a significant boost. Their vibrant red colour comes from naturally occurring antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are developed as the fruit ripens in the sun.


Because strawberries are picked and enjoyed fresh, they’re one of those fruits where freshness really matters — the sooner they’re eaten after harvest, the better the flavour and nutritional quality.


They’re also:

  • a source of fibre

  • naturally hydrating due to high water content

  • lower in calories while still feeling indulgent

  • rich in antioxidants that help protect colour, flavour and freshness naturally

Many growers will also tell you that smaller, deeply coloured berries often deliver the most intense flavour.

VARIETIES TO KNOW

Strawberry growers in the Southern Forests region grow a mix of modern day-neutral varieties chosen for flavour, fruit quality and their ability to produce berries across a longer season.

Some of the varieties commonly grown in Western Australia include:

  • Albion — known for its sweetness, rich flavour and large fruit

  • San Andreas — valued for consistent cropping, firmness and balanced sweetness

  • Cabrillo — loved for its juicy texture and strong strawberry flavour

While each variety has slightly different characteristics, Southern Forests growers will tell you that conditions matter just as much as genetics. Cool nights help berries develop deeper colour, natural sweetness and more concentrated flavour.


And while larger berries may stand out visually, many growers believe the smaller, deeply coloured berries often deliver the best eating experience.

BUYING TIPS

The best strawberries should look and smell freshly picked. Strawberry growers will often tell you that fragrance is one of the biggest signs of flavour — if they smell sweet, they’re more likely to taste sweet too.

Look for strawberries that are:

  • bright red with even colour

  • glossy and firm, not hard

  • fragrant and sweet-smelling

  • with fresh, vibrant green caps still attached

  • smaller to medium-sized for more concentrated flavour

Avoid strawberries that are pale near the stem, dull, bruised or soft, leaking juice in the punnet, overly large and watery-looking.


As strawberries stop ripening once picked, choosing ripe, fragrant berries is key to getting the best flavour.

KEEPING FRESH

Strawberries are delicate and don’t like moisture or heat, so the key is keeping them cool and dry for as long as possible. Many growers recommend checking the punnet as soon as you get home and removing any soft or damaged berries first — one overripe strawberry can quickly affect the rest.

For the best flavour and texture:

  • store strawberries in the fridge in a single layer if possible

  • keep them dry and unwashed until ready to eat

  • avoid sealing them in airtight containers where moisture builds up

  • let them come to room temperature before eating for fuller flavour

If your strawberries are especially fragrant and ripe, enjoy them quickly — the sweetest berries are often the most delicate.

USE NOW

Strawberries pair beautifully with:

  • cream and mascarpone

  • dark chocolate

  • basil and mint

  • balsamic glaze

  • vanilla and honey

  • citrus

  • pistachios and almonds

  • yoghurt and ricotta

Strawberries work especially well with basil, mint, thyme, vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon.

RECIPES

MEET THE GROWERS

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