First harvest of Irish Strawberries

Keelings has announced the arrival of its first harvest of Irish strawberries for 2016.

The early arrival comes at the same time as the company reported to have an increase of 14% in tonnage for 2015 and expected sales of an incredible 10 million strawberry punnets over the Irish season.

Keelings have spent years testing and trialling various growing systems and have between 15 and 30 new varieties in the Research and Development area at any one time. This has resulted in delicious fresh Irish strawberries at the ready early spring.

Speaking about the first Irish strawberries, David Keeling said, “We are proud to be the first Irish growers bringing home-grown strawberries to the Irish market. Last year they were an absolute hit with our customers and this year we have increased the volume of our exclusive early spring variety.”

Keelings Irish strawberries are available in stores now.

Try our gorgeous Strawberry Eton Mess (serves 4)

This classic dessert makes the most of gorgeous ripe strawberries. It’s quick to make, and is always a pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 2 punnets Keelings strawberries, rinsed and hulled
• 4 meringue nests, roughly broken
• 400ml double cream
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Place half of the strawberries in a food processor and process until puréed.
2. Take two of the remaining strawberries and cut them in half, reserve for garnish. Roughly chop the remaining strawberries, set aside.
3. Combine cream, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and whip until thick with firm peaks. Add puréed strawberries to the cream and lightly fold in. Add the chopped strawberries and broken meringue pieces and gently fold in just until it is mostly mixed. Avoid over-mixing as you want to see lovely streaks of red and white going through the mixture.
4. Divide pudding into 4 dessert bowls and top each one with half a strawberry. Serve immediately.
5. It is not advised to make Eton Mess ahead as the meringue will dissolve, but, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, keeping the strawberries and whipped cream in the fridge and mixing together just before serving.