Sharrington Norfolk Strawberries and Summer Fruits

Summer is here, and so are the sweet, juicy berries and fruits that come with it! If you want to indulge in fresh, local produce, you can't go wrong with Sharrington Norfolk strawberries and other summer fruits. From their unbeatable taste to their health benefits, there are plenty of reasons to add these fruits to your diet. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about Sharrington Norfolk strawberries and other summer fruits.

History and Production

Simon Turner started Sharrington Strawberries (a family business) in 1982. Sharrington Strawberries' unique varieties include Honeoye, Malling Centenary, and Elegance which are all grown in the county of Norfolk, UK. These berries are known for their juicy, sweet flavour, which makes them popular with both locals and tourists. The production of Sharrington Norfolk strawberries is carefully monitored to ensure that they meet high standards of quality, flavour, and freshness. The season for these strawberries usually begins in late May and lasts until late September, so be sure to get your fill while you can!

Benefits of Soft Summer Fruits

Not only are Norfolk strawberries delicious, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Strawberries are known to be high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in your body that can contribute to disease. They are also low in calories and high in fibre, which means they can be beneficial for weight loss and digestion. One cup of these strawberries contains more vitamin C than an orange and has only 50 calories! In addition to strawberries, other summer fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are also full of nutrition and flavour.

How to Enjoy Norfolk Strawberries

The beauty of summer fruits is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Sharrington's strawberries are perfect for fresh eating, but they can also be used in other recipes like smoothies, salads, and desserts. Tayberries, currants, raspberries, and blackberries can also be added to recipes like oatmeal, yoghurt, and baked goods for a burst of flavour and nutrition. Get creative and experiment with new ways to enjoy your summer fruits!

A Simple Recipe to Try

Norfolk Strawberry and Cream Tart

This delightful dessert showcases the sweet and juicy flavour of freshly picked Norfolk strawberries. The recipe also includes suggestions for garnishes and accompaniments to enhance the presentation and taste.

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

225g plain flour

110g unsalted butter, chilled and diced

80g caster sugar

1 large egg, beaten

For the filling:

450g freshly picked Norfolk strawberries, washed and hulled

300ml double cream

200g mascarpone cheese

60g icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional garnishes and accompaniments:

Fresh mint leaves

Powdered icing sugar for dusting

Extra strawberries for decoration

Instructions:

Make the pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and diced unsalted butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar.

Add the beaten egg to the mixture and gently combine until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a few drops of cold water. Do not overwork the dough.

Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F or Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin with a removable bottom.

Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm in thickness. Gently press the pastry into the prepared tart tin, trimming any excess dough. Prick the base with a fork.

Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or dried rice. Blind bake the pastry for 15 minutes, then remove the baking beans and parchment and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden. Allow the pastry to cool completely in the tart tin.

Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the double cream, mascarpone cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it forms soft peaks.

Assemble the tart: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the cooled pastry base. Arrange the Norfolk strawberries on top of the cream in a decorative pattern.

Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish the tart with fresh mint leaves, a dusting of icing sugar, and extra strawberries. Remove the tart from the tin, slice, and serve immediately.

This recipe serves 8-10 people and can be easily replicated at home with limited baking experience. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavours and the delicious taste of fresh Norfolk strawberries!

Where to Find Sharrington Strawberries and Summer Fruits

If you're looking for the best quality summer fruits, it's important to shop at trusted retailers and farms. You can find Sharringtons range of summer fruits right here in Walsingham. Be sure to look for fruits that are plump, firm, and free of soft spots.

These juicy morsels are a must-try if you want to experience the best that this season has to offer. With their unbeatable taste, health benefits, and versatility, these fruits are a great addition to any diet. So next time you're looking for a sweet, refreshing snack, reach for some Sharrington's strawberries or some of their other summer fruits and enjoy the taste of summer!

Whether you're looking to improve your diet or satisfy your sweet tooth, these fruits are the perfect choice. From their rich history to their delicious taste to their health benefits, there's no denying that Sherrington's summer fruits are a special treat. So be sure to enjoy them while they're in season and discover all the flavours of summer!