Strawberries are the ultimate summer fruit - 2,000kg alone is consumed at Wimbledon. They conjure up memories of stuffing your face at the local pick-your-own, jam sandwiches in school lunch boxes and boozy glasses of Pimms and lemonade.
"I'm trying to find that elusive taste of childhood memories of the strawberry." - Michel Roux Jnr
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In medieval times they were regarded as an aphrodisiac, Romantic poet John Keats mixed them with black pepper and sugar to encourage sensory exploration and, according to the society of British Summer Fruits, they were used medicinally to help with digestive ailments, discolored teeth and skin irritations.
Also in season: broad beans, British peas and tomatoes
With Wimbledon starting its second week and the British strawberry season at its peak, what better time is there to celebrate the quintessential British berry. So stick some in your gin and tonic, mash some into your Eton mess or try out one of the sensational strawberry recipes below.
