From field to fork
Paul KelseyWhere are you located and how long have you grown strawberries for? The Kelsey Family has been farming for 3 generations at Quaives Farm. Based in South East Kent, the farm has over 80 hectares of land and supplies Driscoll Jubilee strawberries produce to some of the UK’s best known supermarkets.
What strawberry varieties do you grow and why?
Driscoll Jubilee Strawberries are a perfect ruby red colour, have a distinctive heart shape and undoubtedly is the most flavoursome variety in the UK. It is my favourite strawberry and the one I always take home for my family to enjoy.
When are the seeds planted and how long is the growth period?
Planting starts in March in trays, tray grown plants produce larger and more flavoursome strawberries. At the start of the season in late May, picking begins. Driscoll Jubilee Strawberries then make their way to the supermarket shelves and you can find the queen of the crop in all major supermarkets until September.
What are the best growing conditions for strawberries?
Driscoll Jubilee Strawberries are grown on a table top structure in bags which are raised off the ground to protect from pests and any damage wet weather may cause to the ground. The structures increase productivity as the fruit is easier to pick when it is raised off the ground. Quaives Farm produce approximately 150 tons of Driscoll Jubilee Strawberries per year which equates to around 7.5 million strawberries, all of which are handpicked!
Strawberries are quite fragile, how are they harvested to ensure their not bruised or damaged?
The pickers begin their working day very early in the morning when the temperature is cool, selecting Jubilee strawberries which are at the peak of ripeness and adhere to specific size requirements. Only the very best qualify as a Driscoll Jubilee; combining a perfectly sized and shaped strawberry, ruby red colour, flawless texture, and distinguishable strawberry scent. This means that every time you select a Jubilee punnet, you’ll always be getting the very best quality British strawberry. A great deal of love and care goes into selecting each and every berry, by pinching the stem with the thumb nail against the forefinger, and ensuring that the stalk is approximately 1cm long. They are then placed very gently into the punnets to prevent any bruising.
How would you suggest that our readers select the best strawberries in the supermarket?
When shopping for the perfect strawberry, simply look for the Queen of the Crop – Jubilee Strawberries are Britain’s finest variety and can be found in all major supermarket premium ranges from June onwards. So make sure you look out for Driscoll Jubilee name in your local supermarket.
What is your favourite way to eat strawberries?
I enjoy them simply on their own or with a dollop of cream for something more indulgent. Driscoll Jubilee Strawberries are naturally very sweet and don’t require any added sugar - they are perfect just as they are, ideally served at room temperature.
Strawberry and fig skewers with honey and lavender cream
Makes 8 skewers Ingredients
24 strawberries, hulled but left whole
4 figs, trimmed and cut into quarters
2 tbsp clear, runny honey
1 tbsp flaked almonds, lightly toasted
250ml double cream
1 tbsp icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp edible unsprayed lavender flowers
You will also need 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Method
- Light the barbecue or preheat the grill of the oven.
- Thread three strawberries and 2 fig quarters alternately onto each skewer and brush with the honey. Set aside whilst you make the cream.
- Grind the lavender flowers to a powder using a pestle and mortar, leaving a few left whole to serve with. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, then fold in the icing sugar and lavender powder.
- Grill the skewers on a hot barbecue or under the pre-heated grill for 2-3 minutes, turning carefully once or twice. Serve with a few flaked almonds and a spoonful of lavender cream.