Traditionally most farmers have sold eggs and other produce directly from the farm, but in the 1950s a few farmers began selling fruit as a way of supplementing their income.

There are now around 1,000 ‘pick your own’ farms operating around the UK, where you can go and select your own tasty fruit.  Not only will the fruit taste great, but by visiting a farm you will be supporting the local community.  Many ‘pick your own’ farms are competitively priced in comparison with the big supermarkets – there’s no excuse not to get yourself outside on a sunny day and start picking your own fruit!

Once you’ve picked some tasty strawberries, click here for our delicious strawberry and mascarpone flan recipe.

• Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and blueberries are all ready for picking in summer.
• Pick your fruit carefully – you do not want to damage the plants and trees.
• Don’t be heavy handed – be careful not to bruise or squash your fruit when picking it and transporting it home.
• When picking, avoid bruised or over ripe fruits.
• Your fruit can be eaten on its own, or even with ice cream.  If you are feeling adventurous, why not make your pickings into jams, crumbles or smoothies.
• If you want to keep strawberries for two or three days, pick the ones with the white tips, as these will ripen in the fridge.
• Don’t forget to wash your fruit before you eat it.