Italian strawberries are at their best between February and May. In this period, thanks to the mild climate of territories particularly suited to cultivation, such as the Campania plain, the fruits are able to develop maximum sugars and natural aromas. The result is a more intense, balanced and fragrant strawberry.
Out of season, however, it is easy to come across fruits imported or grown with a significant use of pesticides. Products that may appear perfect to the eye, but which often do not reach the same aromatic complexity as the seasonal harvest.
Yet, even in the right period, knowing how to choose can make a big difference. At the supermarket counter we often let ourselves be guided only by appearance, but true quality is hidden in the details: small signs that distinguish an ordinary strawberry from a strawberry that really tastes like a strawberry.
Here are the signs for recognizing excellent strawberries, even before taking them home:
The colour
A ripe strawberry has a bright red covering the entire surface, with no white or greenish areas near the stem. Those light areas indicate an early harvest: the fruit was detached from the plant before having developed its natural sugars and its characteristic aromas.
The petiole
It is the first indicator of freshness. The leaves must be bright green and turgid, not wilted. A bright stem tells us that the fruit arrived quickly from the field to the point of sale.
The pulp
You can also evaluate the consistency through the tray: the fruits must not be soft or bruised. A compact pulp guarantees the right crunchiness, better stability in the days following purchase and, usually, a more concentrated flavour.
The perfume
A quality strawberry can already be recognized by its aroma, which can be perceived even without bringing it too close. The intense aroma is an indication of optimal maturation and correct development of the natural aromatic compounds.
The flavour
The ideal flavor is not only sweet, a light acidic note is essential to enhance its complexity. When the taste is flat or simply sugary, it is often fruit from less popular varieties.
Quality throughout the supply chain
On the counter of large retailers, anonymous strawberries and branded products coexist. Among these, some brands guarantee greater consistency in quality compared to unbranded products, thanks to more stringent controls on colour, caliber and sugar content.
This is the case of SìBon, a premium brand of Coop Sole, an agricultural cooperative based in Parete (Caserta), active for over 60 years and among the main Italian strawberry producers.
Cultivation takes place in an area particularly suited to this species, a condition that contributes significantly to the final quality of the fruit. Precisely thanks to this combination of territory and varietal research, Coop Sole is among the Italian companies capable of producing certified organic strawberries, which represent approximately 20% of total production. The remaining portion is however obtained with low environmental impact techniques and with a reduced use of pesticides.
SìBon strawberries stand out precisely for those important characteristics we talked about above: the uniform bright red, the bright green stem and the firm and crunchy pulp. They are sweet on the palate, but with a slight acidity which enhances their freshness. The scent is also intense and perceptible even before opening the package.
It is no coincidence that the brand is also appreciated on foreign markets, particularly in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, where the quality standards required are very high.
In addition to product quality, Coop Sole is also committed to sustainability and the reduction of food waste along the supply chain.
The packaging has also been redesigned with a view to sustainability. SìBon packaging is completely recyclable.
A fruit to be valued right now
Strawberries are not only good, but also rich in important nutritional properties. Thanks to the content of vitamin C, vitamin B3, anthocyanins and flavonoids, they contribute to antioxidant action, support of the immune system and cardiovascular protection.
Also to enjoy these benefits, the best time to consume them remains their natural season, when taste and quality reach the ideal balance. And that time is right now.
The next time you go to the supermarket, therefore, remember the few simple characteristics they must have: uniform colour, bright green stem, firm pulp, intense aroma and balanced taste between sweetness and acidity. If they are all there, the choice is the right one.
