But this year, the small box of Swedish strawberries will be a bit more of a luxury item than usual.
As Midsummer approaches, the demand for Swedish strawberries is expected to be high, as usual. At the same time, the spring has been cold in many places, which can affect how quickly the berries ripen and how much will be available to buy just in time for the big strawberry weekend.
This doesn't mean that strawberries will run out everywhere, but there is a greater risk of consumers being misled.
Swedish strawberries are hard to replace
For many people, it's not a small detail whether the strawberries are Swedish or imported. It's not just about the taste, but also about the feeling.
The problem is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between Swedish and imported strawberries just by looking at them. The berries can be red, fine, and smell like summer, even if they're not from Sweden. Therefore, labeling becomes extra important.
To be sure, you should look for the country of origin on the packaging or ask the seller where the berries come from. If the price seems suspiciously low, it's likely that they're imported.
Why the price can skyrocket
Strawberries are sensitive to weather. A cold spring can make the harvest come later or be smaller than usual. When many people want to buy at the same time, especially in the days leading up to Midsummer, prices go up.
How to avoid being misled
The most important thing is not to just rely on the sign. If it says "Swedish strawberries", it should also be clearly stated on the box or packaging that the country of origin is Sweden. If you buy from a temporary stand, you can ask which farmer the berries come from. Serious sellers usually can answer. If the answer is vague, or if the berries are very cheap compared to other places, it's time to move on.
It doesn't mean that imported strawberries are bad. But they should be sold as imported strawberries and not as Swedish.
Do you have to buy Swedish strawberries?
If you pay extra for Swedish berries, you should also get Swedish berries. That's where the irritation comes from. No one wants to feel cheated when they've already paid Midsummer prices.
For those who want to save money, it may be smart to compare prices, buy a little earlier if the berries look good, or mix Swedish strawberries with other berries on the cake.
Happy Midsummer!
Sources: Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund, SVD
