Conjuring visions of sunny days at Wimbledon, decadent desserts and wholesome homemade jams, British strawberries simply can’t be beaten when summer rolls around. No wonder they were among Ocado’s bestselling products last summer and, as these shoppers can attest, they’re reclaiming their starring role this year …
Katherine Khangurra, 42, from Windsor, is creating her favourite dessert
“When Ocado strawberries are in season, you know it’s summer. I love them because they’re always perfectly round and sweet, and the beautiful red colour always looks so appetising. My favourite way to eat them is to make my favourite dessert, which is Eton mess. Delicious!”
Suzanne Baum, 52, from Finchley, north London, is helping her son stay fit and healthy
“I always buy Ocado strawberries – as a family of five, we receive two Ocado deliveries a week and I order four boxes of strawberries in each as we all want to enjoy them. My local fruit shop is fab, but I prefer Ocado strawberries because they’re so sweet, a good size and great value. I love them for snacking on, and my son’s very healthy so, post-gym, he enjoys grazing on them rather than being tempted by more processed snacks. That way they help him meet his fitness goals. We all nibble from the fridge and I put them in fruit bowls for dessert. They’re so sweet, you can enjoy them just on their own.”
Stephanie Buckley, 44, from Wellington, Somerset, is whizzing up smoothies
“We buy Ocado strawberries regularly – they’re firm but sweet and always fresh. Although I shop at a range of supermarkets, I have to buy strawberries from Ocado because I like knowing I can trust their quality. If I’m making something for guests or a special occasion, I know they can be relied on. At home, we enjoy them for a healthy snack after school and in smoothies. The strawberries are so good, they can disappear in minutes, courtesy of my four children!”
Paola Minekov, 45, from Reading, is teaching her children about nutrition
“Like most of its products, Ocado’s strawberries are often better quality than most other supermarkets – especially now, when best-before dates have been removed from a lot of fresh produce. I mainly buy strawberries because my children love them, and they make for a great snack or dessert that’s high in vitamin C. My kids also like to use them to decorate waffles and pancakes, which is an easy way to involve them with preparing their own food, teach them about nutrition and to avoid unhealthy sugary snacks. With picky eaters like mine, it works better if the strawberries look and taste great, which is why Ocado’s consistent quality matters.”
Amy Louise Hatch, 42, from Tunbridge Wells, is powering up her breakfast
“I try to buy seasonal fruit and veg so I always go for Ocado strawberries at this time of year – they taste so delicious right now. I use them for breakfast, to make smoothies or to top a bowl of yoghurt and homemade granola. We also like to take them on picnics, and I give them to my son with kefir yoghurt for a healthier pudding.”
Elisa Roche, 46, from Pimlico, central London, is garnishing summer cocktails
“I’m a private chef who specialises in healthy cooking, so strawberries are a daily essential for me – and of course, they’re even better when they’re in season. I’ve been an Ocado shopper for two decades, and I find the big punnet of strawberries great value, especially when you compare it with other brands. They also last really well if treated gently. Both my clients and I love huge, mixed-fruit and yoghurt bowls dotted with a variety of nuts and seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa nibs. Strawberries are also essential for plopping into prosecco and summer cocktails, so I bring them to lots of park picnics. Recently, I’ve even been experimenting with dehydrated strawberries at home, to make chewy snacks.”
Mary Raftopoulos, 37, from Salisbury, is making her daughter’s favourite breakfast
“I absolutely love using Ocado, especially to help keep my fridge stocked up with strawberries. When you have a two-year-old, you have to keep the berries coming. Ocado strawberries are always fresh, sweet and last well, which is a must in this house. I use them in all sorts of ways, but I especially love them sliced over Greek yoghurt and drizzled with honey. They pair perfectly with my homemade gluten-free banana pancakes, which is my daughter’s favourite breakfast. And for me, it has got to be Ocado strawberries with a lovely cold glass of champagne. Whether it’s for everyday snacks, weekend brunches or something a little more indulgent, they are a staple in my kitchen.”
Chilli Wilson, 28, from Worthing, is keeping things traditional
“Ocado’s strawberries are amazing quality – really plump, flavoursome and juicy. I’ve been known to eat my way through a punnet in one sitting, because they’re so moreish. Usually, though, I’ll have them sliced on to crepes or as part of a traditional fruit salad, which is one of my favourite desserts – it’s so refreshing, especially at this time of year.”
Shop Ocado’s lusciously sweet strawberries – a celebration of summer
