July 2nd 2024.
As the warm summer sun shines down, there is no better snack to indulge in than some delicious strawberries and cream. Some may feel like they are above the "basic b*tch" label for their dislike of pumpkin spice lattes, rosé wine, Fiat 500s, and avocado toast. But, if you plan on enjoying this iconic treat during the summer, you might just be as "ringarde" (or basic) as Emily in Paris herself.
What makes this combination of juicy strawberries and creamy goodness so irresistible? Not only is it incredibly tasty and refreshing, but it has also become synonymous with the prestigious Wimbledon tournament. While the event is often associated with luxury and attended by royalty and A-listers, the reason behind the connection between strawberries and cream may surprise you.
Believe it or not, the origin of this classic pairing can be traced back to the early 1900s, if not earlier. Some even speculate that it may have been enjoyed at the very first Wimbledon Championships in 1877. At the time, strawberries were considered a luxury item due to their short growing season. They were only available for a few weeks each year, which happened to coincide with the Wimbledon fortnight.
The vibrant and aesthetically pleasing fruit was the perfect choice to serve to the upper-class guests who attended the tennis matches, according to Courts Magazine. It was seen as a trendy and fashionable food in the 19th century, and its availability during the Wimbledon tournament led to the historical association between the two.
Fast forward to modern times, and thanks to advances in agriculture, we can now enjoy strawberries year-round. However, that doesn't stop the All-England Lawn Tennis Club from serving a whopping 1.92 million strawberries each year at the tournament. These strawberries come from Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent, run by Marion Regan, who was even awarded an MBE for her services to fresh produce.
The farm has been supplying strawberries to Wimbledon for over 25 years, carefully hand-picking and delivering the fruit each morning to ensure its freshness. As Marion explained in an article on the Wimbledon website, the strawberries are picked at 5 in the morning, cooled in their packhouse, and then weighed before being sent off to the tournament.
If you're lucky enough to attend Wimbledon this summer, you can purchase a tub of strawberries and cream for £2.50, the same price it has been since 2010. But, if you're looking for a refreshing beverage to accompany your snack, be prepared to pay a bit more. A glass of Pimm's and lemonade will set you back £11.95.
Now that's what we call a "serve"! It's amazing to see how something as simple as strawberries and cream has become a beloved tradition at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. So, the next time you're enjoying this delicious snack, remember the fascinating history behind it. And, if you have a story to share about your love for strawberries and cream, don't hesitate to get in touch!
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