British strawberry growers are celebrating an extraordinary harvest this spring, with berries growing 10 to 20 per cent larger than usual due to optimal weather.
The combination of abundant sunshine and cool nights has created ideal growing conditions for these supersized fruits.
According to the operations director at the Summer Berry Company, Bartosz Pinkosz, a "perfect" climate has resulted in a crop of uncharacteristically large strawberries.
In his nearly 20 years of experience, Bartosz revealed that he had "never seen anything like it", adding that some are so big you "cannot fit them in your mouth".
Enjoy better strawberries this spring due to 'perfect' weather conditions
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The company's farm in Colworth, West Sussex, is producing "giant" 50g strawberries, though the average size is a more modest 30g.
Among the biggest of the bunch, select fruits are growing "to the size of plums or even kiwis".
The exceptional growing conditions can be attributed to weather patterns earlier in the year. "We had the darkest January and February since the 70s, but then the brightest March and April since 1910," the expert explained.
"From March onwards, it was really kind of perfect for tunnel strawberries," he added.
Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, confirmed that the "very nice sunshine" and "cool overnight temperatures" are "ideal" for fruit development.
He noted that "we're seeing very good size, shape, appearance, and most of all, really great flavour and sugar content", adding that "this is what consumers want when they buy British strawberries".
The crop of jumbo berries comes at a good time, as Wimbledon - the sporting event synonymous with strawberries and cream - begins next month.
The unusually large strawberries could make a second consecutive appearance at the tennis tournament, following last year's supersized variety that resulted from wet and dark conditions.
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Good news for Wimbledon goers, as the sporting event is synonymous with the juicy fruit
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But it's not just good news for tennis lovers, as all Britons will be able to enjoy this spring's superior strawberries as they appear on supermarket shelves.
However, the sunny, very dry spring has raised concerns about potential drought conditions this summer.
Nick noted that water shortages would worry growers, particularly in the south-east of England, though he emphasised that berry cultivation uses water sparingly through drip irrigation systems.
