Seasonal conditions lead to supersized strawberries in Australian stores
Supersized stawberries have become a common sight in supermarkets around the country. (ABC South East SA: Elsie Adamo)
In short:
Early-season strawberries are looking especially big this year in parts of Australia.
Cooler seasonal conditions are leading to the fruit's larger size.
What's next?
After a slow start to the southern season, a consistent strawberry supply should return by Christmas.
Supersized strawberries have been filling the shelves at supermarkets across Australia this summer.
While many farms produce extra-large strawberries regularly through November and December, this year, some growers are noticing even bigger fruit than usual.
In southern Australia, early-season strawberries are generally larger due to the extra time allowed for the fruit to grow before the weather heats up and ripens the berry.
Strawberries and other berries are likely to be on the larger size in some parts of Australia this summer. (ABC South East SA: Elsie Adamo)
South Australian fruit grower and Harvest the Fleurieu director Ryan Sherry said it had been a few years since strawberries were this large on his property.
"A cold spring just gives plenty of time for the new plants to be established, and then start producing big strawberries," he said.
"This consistent rain has been hard work, but it's turned out with some massive strawberries.
Ryan Sherry says the extra rain has increased disease pressures on the fruit. (Supplied: Ryan Sherry. )
"A large strawberry in a normal punnet is [about] 80 to 90 grams, whereas some of the guys in the [Adelaide] hills are picking 190g strawberries."
Mr Sherry said it was not just strawberries that were looking bigger this year, with blackberries, blueberries and raspberries also expected to be on the larger side in some regions because of a wetter spring.
"Berries in general just love moisture," he said.
Picking the best of the punnet
Mr Sherry said while the size of a strawberry should not impact too heavily on the taste of the fruit, there were ways consumers could pick the sweetest berries without trying them first.
Ryan Sherry says larger berries could be sticking around longer this season. (ABC Riverland: Eliza Berlage)
The farmer said it was best to focus on the colour, not the size of the fruit, when picking out the best strawberries.
"The varieties we've got now … the flavour has always been amazing," Mr Sherry said.
"Pick a red one and it's going to taste good."
Even so, Mr Sherry said it could be hard to manage consumers' expectations, with many preferring smaller strawberries.
"Sometimes we get complaints there are only three strawberries in a 250g punnet," he said.
"People need to get used to big strawberries or big berries."
Patchy start to season
There are fewer berries around than typically expected at this time of year, due to the slow start of the growing season.
Berries Australia project manager Jen Rowling said it was a mixed bag across the country.
Fresh raspberries may also be larger in December. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
"The Victorian season, for example, started pretty poorly with a lot of rain, and even substantial hail events," she said.
"It has also been quite cold down south, so that always delays the onset of fruit."
Ms Rowling said supply was expected to return to normal before Christmas.
"The fruit is looking really big, but really good, and it's going to be excellent quality.
"Around Christmas, I think you can expect some really amazing fruit from berries."