Strawberries and large strawberries are among those fruits that, as soon as they appear in the market, alert us that the Spring is just around the cornerTheir intense red color, sweet aroma, and characteristic acidity make them the stars of many desserts. salads and breakfasts, but also from home gardens and orchards.
To get the most out of them, it's helpful to know When is strawberry season really here, how are they grown, and what properties do they have? And what's the difference between a strawberry and a large strawberry? Also, nowadays the season has been lengthening thanks to greenhouses and new cultivation techniques, so it can be a bit confusing to know where to start if you want to buy seasonal produce, which is tastier and more affordable.
When is strawberry season in Spain?
If we're talking about natural outdoor cultivation, the The strawberry season in Spain is concentrated between February and Junewith slight variations depending on the area and the climate each year. It is during these months that the plants flower most intensely and the fruits reach their best flavor, texture, and aroma.
In the most important producing areas, such as Huelva, which is the great queen of strawberries in SpainThe strawberry season typically begins between late winter and early spring. It's not uncommon to find trays of strawberries available as early as February, and the supply, under normal circumstances, continues until June.
In regions with mild winters and early springs, strawberries can appear a few weeks earlier, while in colder areas they tend to appear somewhat later. Therefore, although people talk about "strawberry season from February to June," in practice the peak season is concentrated in March, April and May, when most of the country is at its peak.
With the expansion of protected cultivation, it is now also possible to see domestic strawberries in full bloom. January or even a little earlierThanks to greenhouse systems, tunnels, and covers that allow for earlier flowering and harvesting, the fruit's true peak season remains spring, when the weather is more favorable and the product is more abundant, flavorful, and affordable.
If we look at the calendar from other origins, in Morocco, the campaign is brought forward Remarkably, the season can start as early as December and last until May. That's why, in the middle of winter, it's common to find strawberries imported from this country in Spanish fruit shops and supermarkets, while domestic strawberries are just beginning their season.
Differences between strawberry and large strawberry
In everyday language we tend to call everything "strawberries", but in reality there are clear differences between the traditional strawberry and the large strawberryThey are not only distinguished by size, but also by flavor, texture, and ripening schedule.
La The actual strawberry is smaller, very aromatic and sweetIt has a lighter-colored flesh inside, often whitish in the center. It usually ripens a little earlier than the strawberry, so it appears in markets around mid-March and, under normal conditions, remains available until around May.
El The strawberry, on the other hand, is larger, fleshier, and a deep red color. Both inside and out. Its flavor is generally milder and sweeter, less acidic than that of the small strawberry. It comes into full bloom between early and mid-April and can last until June, and even longer if the weather permits or if it is grown under plastic.
In practice, they coexist in the market for much of the spring small, very sweet strawberries and large strawberries of different varietiesStrawberries have nuanced flavors that depend on both the type of plant and the time of harvest. Strawberries picked at their exact point of ripeness, bright red and fragrant, are usually much tastier than those picked too early to extend their shelf life.
In recent years they have also been gaining prominence new and interesting varieties, such as the white strawberryIts flavor is reminiscent of pineapple and it originated in Latin America. It is gradually being introduced into Spanish crops, especially in producing regions like Huelva, and is generating increasing interest among consumers due to its unique appearance and taste.
Origin and main growing areas of strawberries
The strawberry we know today is not exactly the same as the one found in European forests centuries ago. Current varieties come from hybrids developed from American strawberries that arrived on the European continent with the colonists, especially from Virginia, throughout the 19th century.
Over time, numerous crosses were carried out between wild species and cultivated varieties until the desired outcome was achieved. larger, more productive and tastier fruitsFrom this evolution emerged the modern strawberry, which has largely displaced the traditional small strawberry in the mass market, although the latter is still highly valued in specific areas and more limited productions.
In Spain, the province that has become synonymous with strawberries is undoubtedly Huelva, absolute leader in area, production and exportThanks to its temperate climate, with mild winters and many hours of sunshine, this area can start the campaign earlier than other European regions, making it a benchmark in both the national and international markets.
Although Huelva accounts for the majority of strawberries that reach the markets (it is estimated that at some times it can represent up to 90% of the strawberries we see in fruit shops), there are also smaller productions in other areas, such as the Maresme in Catalonia or specific areas of the Canary Islands, where local strawberries are obtained that are highly valued for their flavor.
A striking example is that of the Strawberries from Valsequillo, in Gran CanariaThese strawberries are distributed in farmers' markets and some supermarkets on the islands. Although strawberries can be found there practically year-round, the producers themselves point out that the best ones, in terms of flavor and quality, are those that arrive in the height of spring.
Most common types and varieties of strawberries
Within the world of strawberries there are many varietiesEach variety has its own particularities in terms of flavor, size, productivity, and adaptation to the climate. Some are more typical of a specific type of cultivation, while others have become especially popular due to their organoleptic qualities.
Among the best-known varieties in Spain, the one called “Queen of the valleys”This variety is closer to the traditional strawberry many associate with markets of yesteryear: small, highly aromatic, and intensely flavored. It's the classic garden strawberry sold in baskets, more delicate and with a shorter shelf life, but with an excellent organoleptic profile.
In the realm of large strawberries, we find names like Camarosa, Tudla, Big Bear, Cartuno, Charisma or BirdMany of them are of Californian origin. They are characterized by producing large fruits, with a very bright red color, firm texture, and flavors that range from the sweetest and most intense to softer and more balanced profiles.
Some varieties, such as Jungle or “summer strawberry”They appear on the market later, from mid-July onwards, and can continue to bear fruit until the end of September. This allows strawberry consumption to extend beyond the spring peak, especially in areas with good summer weather.
On a more technical level, many strawberries are classified according to their behavior in response to light into three main groups: short-day strawberries, everbearing strawberries, and day-neutral strawberriesShort-day varieties are better suited to spring, requiring a specific photoperiod to flower and typically concentrating their harvest in a few specific months. Everbearing varieties offer several flowering periods throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn, while day-neutral varieties are capable of producing almost continuously in mild climates, which is very appealing to those who want fruit for a longer period.
At home, varieties adapted to each season are also recommended. For example, Festival is well associated with spring plantings Due to its high production and sweet taste, Albion performs very well in summer because of its large and resistant fruits, Capitola is considered a good option for autumn harvests, and Montréal can be an interesting alternative for greenhouse cultivation during the winter.
Innovations in cultivation: from greenhouses to hydroponics
The current strawberry calendar cannot be understood without the new fruit and vegetable growing techniques which have been implemented in recent decades. Thanks to greenhouses, tunnels, and netting, it is possible to protect plants from the cold, heavy rain, or wind, advance flowering, and extend the harvest beyond what cultivation entirely outdoors would allow.
These systems create a microclimate that makes it easier for us to find domestic strawberries from January without depending so much on importsIn addition to extending the season, they allow for better control of pests and diseases, and reduce some of the production losses due to extreme weather events.
Another widespread innovation is the hydroponic strawberry cultivationIn this system, the plants grow in troughs, on tables, or in raised structures, with an inert or semi-solid substrate and controlled nutrient solutions. This way, the fruit is not in direct contact with the ground, reducing the risk of rot and making it more convenient for the harvesters, who don't have to bend down as much to pick the fruit.
Many modern farms combine high-altitude cultivation with semi-covered or protected greenhousesThis means strawberries are available even in the middle of January, although it's not their most "natural" time. However, consumers most concerned about seasonality still prefer spring harvests, when the plants bear fruit in sync with nature's rhythm.
For those who enjoy home gardening, the usual practice is to plant strawberry plants in March or AprilPlant when the risk of severe frost has passed. It is important to choose a sunny location with good drainage and a substrate rich in organic matter. In temperate or warm climates, planting can also be considered in autumn, so that the plant is well established before the following spring.
How to choose, buy and store seasonal strawberries
When buying strawberries, it's important to pay attention to several details to ensure they arrive home in good condition. Ideally, you should choose Bright red fruit, firm to the touch and without soft spots or moldThe leaves or peduncles should look green and fresh, not wilted or dry.
If you want to prioritize domestic and local products, it's important to review the mandatory country of origin labelingwhich must be clearly displayed in the fruit shop or on the packaging. In Spain, you can also use the EAN code or barcode: Spanish products have prefixes that begin with 84, while Moroccan products, for example, usually begin with 611.
Some Spanish strawberries also look distinctive quality seals such as PGI or PDOThese labels certify that the product originates from a specific region and meets certain production and quality standards. They are a good indicator for those looking to support high-quality local products.
Once home, strawberries are very delicate and spoil easily. The best thing to do is Store them in a cool, ventilated place and without piling them up.Preferably in a wide container so they don't get squashed. On hot days, it's best to keep them in the refrigerator, but always try to consume them within a short time, because they lose their aroma over time.
If you want to extend it for a few more days, you can resort to methods such as frozen in airtight bags, removing all the airThis allows them to be kept in good condition for up to a year for use in smoothies, sauces, or baking. Another option is dehydrate them: cut into thin slices and baked at a low temperature (about 90-100 ºC) for several hours, they produce strawberry chips that can be stored for several months in airtight containers.
When there is a surplus of fruit, homemade jam It's a great solution: all you need to do is Cook chopped strawberries with sugar until thickenedYou can play with the sweetness level and add spices (vanilla, cinnamon) or a citrus touch (lemon, orange). You can also make compotes, coulis, and fillings for cakes, sponge cakes, pavlovas, or spoon desserts.
Nutritional properties and health benefits
Besides being delicious, strawberries are a fruit with a very interesting nutritional profile. They have a Very low calorie content, around 30-40 kcal per 100 grams, with a high proportion of water (around 90%) and a good amount of dietary fiber.
Its sugar content is based primarily on fructose, glucose and xylitolThese provide sweetness without causing a sharp spike in blood sugar when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Their carbohydrate content is moderate, and their glycemic index is considered low to medium, especially when eaten with other foods rich in fiber or healthy fats.
One of the most noteworthy aspects is its contribution to Vitamin C, which in 100 grams can cover the daily recommendation of a healthy adultThis vitamin acts as a powerful antioxidant, contributes to the good condition of the immune system, promotes the formation of collagen (key for the health of skin, bones and blood vessels) and improves the absorption of iron from plant sources.
They also contain vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid and other B vitaminsas well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and, to a lesser extent, phosphorus and silicon. Potassium contributes to fluid balance and blood pressure regulation, while, along with magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin C, it helps maintain good bone health.
Another strong point of strawberries is their richness in antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins and polyphenolsThese compounds, responsible for their characteristic red color, are linked to beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and protection against oxidative damage, helping to combat free radicals involved in cellular aging.
They also contain salicylic acid, with anti-inflammatory and mild anticoagulant propertiesHowever, this same substance means that some people allergic to salicylates or aspirin should moderate or avoid its consumption. Furthermore, its fiber helps regulate intestinal transit and improve gum health, contributing to the prevention of cavities and tartar.
Thanks to their nutritional profile, strawberries are a highly recommended fruit for pregnant women, children, people with anemia or hypertensionFolic acid and iron, along with vitamin C, are especially beneficial during periods of increased demand for these nutrients. Due to their low calorie content and high water and fiber content, they also fit well into weight management or fat-reduction diets.
How to enjoy strawberries in the kitchen
The simplest way to enjoy this fruit is to eat it as is, well cleaned and, if possible, Serve at room temperature to best appreciate its flavorWhen strawberries are at their peak, they don't need sugar or accompaniments; simply wash them right before eating and remove the stem at the last minute so they don't absorb too much water.
In many homes it is traditional to take them with whipped creamsugar, chocolate or liqueursHowever, these combinations significantly increase the calorie count compared to eating the fruit alone. A lighter, intermediate option is to mix them with natural yogurt, cottage cheese, or kefir, adding protein and some healthy fat while maintaining a balanced dessert.
Strawberries also work great in smoothies and smoothies and smoothies. Combined with milk, plant-based drinks, or yogurt, and blended with other fruits like banana, mango, or berries, they make very complete drinks, perfect for breakfasts and snacks. Adding oats, seeds, or nuts can turn them into a satisfying snack.
In the realm of savory cuisine, they are ideal for green leaf salads, goat cheese or feta, nuts and mild vinaigrettesThey can also be incorporated into fresh Mexican-style "salsa" sauces, mixed with tomato, shallot, jalapeño, cilantro and a touch of lime, to accompany meats, fish or cheeses.
Another classic preparation is the Strawberries macerated in vinegar with a little sugarThis enhances their flavor and helps preserve them a little longer thanks to the effect of the acetic acid. Letting the mixture rest for a few hours before serving produces a kind of very aromatic natural syrup, perfect for enjoying with yogurt or ice cream.
When there's a surplus of fruit, homemade jam is a great solution: simply Cook chopped strawberries with sugar until thickenedYou can play with the sweetness level and add spices (vanilla, cinnamon) or a citrus touch (lemon, orange). You can also make compotes, coulis, and fillings for cakes, sponge cakes, pavlovas, or spoon desserts.
Key tips for growing strawberries at home
For those with a garden, terrace, or small vegetable patch, growing strawberries can be a very rewarding activity. The first step is choosing the right variety. healthy plants, of varieties adapted to the climate of your area and decide whether you want a concentrated production in spring or one more spread out throughout the year.
The planting is usually done in March or April in most Spanish regionsAlthough in very temperate climates, planting can be done earlier or even in autumn. Strawberries need many hours of direct sunlight (at least 6-8 daily) and well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and with a slightly acidic or neutral pH.
In terms of tools, it's useful to have a light rake for preparing the ground, hand shovel for digging planting holes, and pruning shears to remove runners and damaged leaves. A pH meter helps to verify that the soil has the right conditions, and a good organic mulch (straw, bark, wood chips) retains moisture and prevents the fruit from directly touching the soil.
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. A drip irrigation system is ideal for strawberries.Because it keeps the root zone moist without over-wetting the leaves or fruit, reducing the risk of fungal growth. In pots, it is essential that they have sufficient drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Regarding fertilization, it is advisable to use Organic fertilizers such as well-matured compost or specific fertilizers for fruit trees rich in potassiumwhich promotes flowering and fruit production. Slow-release fertilizers or seaweed preparations can also be used, which improve the overall health of the plant.
They work well for pest protection natural pesticides such as potassium soap or neem oilThese are less harmful to the environment. Insect or bird netting protects the fruit without blocking light and air. And for harvesting, nothing beats a good pair of gardening gloves and lightweight baskets to hold the strawberries without crushing them.
By following these basic care guidelines, it's easy to achieve an abundant and good quality harvest in a small gardenThis is something that usually excites children especially, who enjoy watering, watching the plants bloom and picking the ripe strawberries directly from the bush.
DISCOVER When is strawberry season, what is the difference between a strawberry and a large strawberry, what varieties exist, and how are they grown and consumed? This allows you to enjoy this fruit to the fullest: by buying it at its peak, supporting local production, taking advantage of all its health benefits, and making the most of it in the kitchen, from the simplest bite to Tart yogurt and strawberries.
