As winter falls away and flowers begin to bloom, one thing that food enthusiasts and chefs eagerly anticipate is the arrival of fresh strawberries. Sure they may be staple fruit in many parts of the world, but there’s something truly special about French strawberries.
For starters, its flavour is in a league of its own. Known for its intensely sweet taste and balanced acidity, French strawberries boast a rich and complex flavor profile. Whether you bite into a small, aromatic fraise des bois or a larger, heart-shaped Gariguette, each bite is a burst of natural sweetness and tangy acidity that is simply unparalleled.
Here, we highlight 10 varieties to know.
See also: 10 French oyster varieties to know
Gariguette strawberries are small, elongated, and bright red in color. They are known for their sweet flavor and intense aroma, making them a popular choice for desserts, jams, and cocktails.
Mara des Bois strawberries are small-sized and known for their unique flavor that combines the sweetness of a strawberry with the fragrance of a wild strawberry. They are dark red in color and highly prized for their exquisite taste.
Ciflorette strawberries are medium-sized with a glossy red color and a juicy texture. They have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and are often used in salads, desserts, and preserves.
Charlotte strawberries are large, heart-shaped strawberries with a bright red color and a sweet flavor. They are commonly used in baking, preserves, and fruit salads due to their size and sweetness.
Cirafine strawberries are small to medium-sized with a deep red color and a balanced sweetness and acidity. They are versatile in the kitchen and commonly used in desserts, jams, and sauces.
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Anabelle strawberries are large, heart-shaped strawberries with a bright red color and a slightly tart flavor. They are often used in desserts and preserves due to their bold flavor profile.
Manille strawberries are medium-sized with a dark red color and a sweet, juicy taste. They are used in desserts, smoothies, and fruit salads due to their delicious flavor and attractive appearance.
Albion strawberries are large, conical-shaped strawberries with a glossy red color and a sweet flavor. They are often used in baking, preserves, and desserts due to their size and sweetness.
Cléry strawberries are medium-sized with a bright red color and a sweet, aromatic flavor. They are commonly used in jams, sauces, and desserts due to their delicious taste and vibrant color.
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Fraise des bois, also known as wild strawberry, is a small-sized strawberry with a deep red color and an intense flavor. They are highly prized for their unique taste and are often used in gourmet desserts and as a garnish for their delicate appearance. One caveat? They perish really quickly so restaurants tend to use them the very same day they arrive making them a rare treat.
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