CYPRUS STRAWBERRIES
A HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCT
Cyprus strawberries are a fresh, high-quality local product, with a season that peaks in early February. Cultivated largely in southern and eastern coastal regions like Dherynia and Episkopi, they are often grown in greenhouses to ensure a regular supply throughout the year.
A CELEBRATED & ABUNDANT CROP
Strawberries are one of the most celebrated and abundant crops in Cyprus. They are renowned for their exceptional sweetness, fragrance, and large size. Driven by the island’s rich volcanic soil and intensive greenhouse farming, Cyprus produces over 1,200 metric tons of strawberries annually. This makes them a year-round staple across the island.
THE STRAWBERRY CAPITAL
The village of Deryneia, located in the Famagusta district, is considered the strawberry capital of the Republic of Cyprus. It is the pioneer site for the island’s first commercial strawberry plantations and hosts a world-famous STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL in May every year. The festival features traditional folk dancing, strawberry-eating competitions, and an array of homemade strawberry-based products. Culinary Delights also include homemade strawberry Jam, liqueurs, ice creams, and GLYKO, also known as traditional fruit spoon sweets.
ALL YEAR PRODUCTION
While commercial greenhouses allow production all year, the peak open-field harvesting and sweetest yields occur from early February and continue through to May. The dominant strawberry variety grown on the island is the Camarosa. It is highly prized by local farmers because it grows exceptionally large, maintains a firm texture against the Mediterranean heat, and boasts an intense, sweet flavour.
AGRO-TOURISM
During April and May, all strawberry-growing regions open their fields to the public as part of their continued commitment to agro-tourism. Visitors are provided with baskets to hand-pick their own sun-ripe strawberries from the plantations.
KEY DETAILS
Strawberry Season: There are a total of nine types of strawberry grown in Cyprus that are often described as fresh and high in quality. They are usually planted in early September and produce an intense harvesting season that runs from late January through to February. Although six of the nine types of strawberry are grown in winter, they are commonly cultivated in greenhouses to protect them from winter temperatures.
Growing Locations: The village of Dherynia is famous for its STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, which is usually held in May. Other notable strawberry producing areas include the Larnaca and Limassol regiions, particularly the areas around the village of Episkopi.
Buying and Picking: Fresh strawberries can be bought from most supermarkets, roadside kiosks, and directly from farms. Winter strawberries are generally preferred for their superior flavour compared to summer produce.
Best Varieties: Camarosa, Ventana, and Albion are common.
Strawberry Products: As well as ice cream, strawberries are also regularly used to make local jams, liqueurs, and sauces.
Unique Activities: Farms in places like the village Deryneia and Kapedis allow people to pick their own strawberries.
Festivals: The annual DERYNEIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, usually celebrates the industry every May.
THE BENEFITS OF EATING INCREDABLY NUTRITIOUS STRAWBERRIES
A STAPLE IN CYPRUS
Produced all over the island, but in particular around the village of Deryneia in the east of the island, strawberries have become a staple in Cyprus. The benefits of regularly eating fresh strawberries are numerous and varied. Incorporating them into a regular diet may also help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Regular consumption of this fruit is proven to support both the immune system and the digestive tract.
THE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED DIET
Daily consumption of strawberries is thought to boost overall well-being. Low in calories, they also act as an excellent supplement for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Strawberries are also regularly recommended by some weight loss programs. A daily intake of strawberries is also thought to help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. This vibrant, incredibly nutritious fruit also offers a refreshing cool reprieve on a hot day.
SEVERAL HEALTH BENEFITS
PACKED WITH VITAMINS & MINERALS
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, eating this juicy berry, as part of a balanced diet, will help meet the daily amount of recommended vitamin C and fibre. Strawberries are also a good source of important nutrients such as potassium, folate, and manganese.
Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and helps to ward off infections and several illnesses.
Fibre: A fibre-rich diet is a factor in lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Fibre is also essential for good digestive health, and a diet rich in fibre promotes a healthy gut. It does this by regulating the movement of the bowel and preventing constipation.
Antioxidants: Help to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants are also considered to have anti-cancer properties.
Manganese: Plays an important role in bone health and overall metabolism.
Potassium: Essential for regulating blood pressure and maintaining proper muscle function.
Folate: Helps maintain cell division and DNA synthesis.
INTERESTING CYPRUS STRAWBERRY FACTS
- Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen each spring.
- The strawberry is the only fruit to wear its 200 or so seeds on the outside.
- Not technically a berry, strawberries are classed as accessory fruits.
- As a member of the rose family, the strawberry grows as a perennial bush and emits a sweet fragrance as it grows.
- The lesser-known tabletop method of cultivation, which keeps strawberry plants away from pests and soil diseases, is often employed when growing strawberries.
- Ancient Romans believed strawberries had medicinal powers and used them to treat everything from depression to fever and sore throats.
- Native Americans were among the earliest people to eat strawberries, introducing them to European settlers.
- Rinsing cut strawberries under water speeds up their spoiling process.
- Belgium has a museum solely dedicated to strawberries.
- There are three summer varieties and six winter varieties of strawberries grown throughout Cyprus.
- Camarosa, Ventana, and Albion are the most popular varieties of strawberry grown on the island.
- January marks the peak strawberry season in Cyprus.
- The largest strawberry plantations are in the districts of Famagusta in the east and Limassol in the south.
GENERAL STRAWBERRY FACTS
Botanical note: Strawberries are not really berries but are technically an aggregate accessory fruit. The small seeds on the surface that are known as ‘achenes’ are the true fruits and each one contains a single seed.
Varieties: Several varieties of strawberries are grown worldwide. In light of this, the flavour profile of this fruit ranges from intensely sweet to tart. Common types of strawberries include June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties.
Nutrition: Strawberries are low in calories and high in vitamin C. They also provide fibre, manganese, and various antioxidants, including polyphenols. As strawberries ripen, sugar levels within the fruit increase, and acidity decreases. This enhances flavour and produces a fruity aroma. This blend of volatile compounds includes esters and aldehydes.
Seasons: In the Northern Hemisphere, peak strawberry season is usually late spring to early summer. In warmer regions, they are harvested for much of the year.
Quick tips for selecting: Avoid berries that are mushy or have mould. Look for a bright red colour and a fresh green cap. Good strawberries should have a plump and firm texture and a sweet fragrance.
Storage: Don’t wash strawberries until you’re ready to eat them. They should be stored in a breathable container in the fridge. They should also be consumed within a few days for the best quality.
Fun uses: Strawberries are great in salads, smoothies, ice cream, desserts, and jams. They also pair well with balsamic vinegar, chocolate, yoghurt, and mint.
Fun fact: The white core at the top of a strawberry, which is called the receptacle, coordinates the seeds on the surface.
