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We love strawberries! But not all trays sold in stores are equal. To sort and opt for the tastiest, UFC-Que Choisir reminds you of the basics you need to know.
They are finally on the shelves, ready to delight the gourmands that you are. Strawberries, which are one of the French’s favorite fruits, are out, in trays of 250 g, 500 g, or even 1 kg. But how to choose the tastiest?
Local and seasonal strawberries, the best, but not the most accessible
Obviously, it is always more pleasant and better to opt for a punnet of seasonal, local strawberries, grown in the ground for a much sweeter taste, and organically. Certainly, but not everyone has access to the small produce which offers the cultivation of a small producer. And many strawberries are grown above ground, in greenhouses. The important thing then remains to examine the supermarket strawberries and identify the good labels which will indicate a quality product. But be careful, not all labels are equal.
These “quality” labels that don’t say everything
In its latest issue, the magazine UFC-Que Choisir examined the different labels affixed to the bags and trays. The first thing to know is that a so-called “quality” label (such as High Environmental Value) is not a guarantee of a good product: many of these strawberries come from above-ground cultivation and heated greenhouses, with a use of pesticides. Not only are they less tasty than strawberries, but the environmental impact remains deplorable. Same thing for the AOPn (Association of National Producer Organizations) Strawberries of France which ensures two thirds of their above-ground production.
As for the red label, it guarantees a limited geographical production area (Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne), but does not prohibit the cultivation methods mentioned.
The labels to examine as a priority
However, there are still reliable labels that will ensure you choose strawberries that are good for you and the planet. Demeter, Bio Cohérence and IGP Fraise de Nîmes or the Nature et Progrès label are to be prioritized for underground cultivation. The fact that it is heated must be mentioned.
Small clarification, the trays of strawberries labeled “organic farming” can come from heated greenhouses. But the organic label nevertheless guarantees the absence of chemical pesticides and the ban on soilless cultivation.
Slide: The health benefits of strawberries