The Sweet Secret of Summer in France: French Strawberries
- Elizabeth Arnquist
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
By: Elizabeth Arnquist
As summer arrives in France, strawberries begin to flood the food market stalls across Paris. French strawberries, with their vibrant red color, signal one of the most anticipated fruitful seasons of the year. From bustling neighbourhood markets to elegant patisseries and Brasserie menus, these fragrant, historic berries are impossible to resist and should not be skipped on your visit to Paris. For the French, strawberries are more than just a fruit; they are a celebration of the changing of the seasons, a dedication to craftsmanship, and an expression of exquisite flavour.
What makes French strawberries so special?
But what exactly makes the French strawberries so special? Well, the answer lies in the history of centuries of cultivation, carefully selected varieties, as well as a strong commitment to growing fruit for flavour rather than convenience.
One of the key differences between strawberries you would find at a U.S. supermarket and French strawberries is that these berries are typically and carefully harvested at their peak ripeness. Rather than being picked early to be able to withstand shipping, these strawberries are able to develop to their full potential on the plant. This unique harvesting quality allows the creation of a fruit with strong sweetness and perfume that cannot be found in a mass-produced variety.
Gariguette
Often known as the queen of the beloved French strawberries, the Gariguette is bright red, slightly elongated, and beautifully fragrant. These berries are a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity that makes them, without a doubt, the star berry among chefs and pastry makers across France.
Mara des Bois
If you have never gotten the chance to taste a Mara des Bois strawberry, well then, you, my friend, are in for a surprise. This variety of strawberries is famous for its wild strawberry aroma, which offers an intense violet-like perfume and accompanying flavor that many describe as unforgettable. You will definitely need to book your flight back to France immediately after trying this delicacy.
Charlotte
The berries of love. Not only are they sweet and juicy, but this strain of berries is equally heart-shaped and mesmerizing. They are one of the most popular varieties found in markets throughout the season, but their lovely aromatic smell makes them irresistible during berry season.
Ciflorette
These strawberries may fool you into thinking that they aren't quite ripe due to their orangish-red color; however, once you bite into them, their exceptional sweetness and juiciness will be the perfect versatile addition to any of your lovely French dishes this summer.
A Product of Terroir
Just like French wine reflects the land where it is grown, French strawberries do as well.
Regions like Brittany, Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne, and Provence produce unique berries that are exceptional thanks to their different climates, soil, and, of course, generations of agricultural expertise. As opposed to industrial production of strawberries, French producers prioritize smaller-scale cultivation that focuses on the flavor and quality of these berries, as opposed to amount and size.
The French believe that the fruit is perfectly fine in its simplest form. This delicacy speaks for itself through its aromatic, less watery, and concentrated fruit that has delightfully balanced sweetness and acidity.
Want to enjoy them like a local? Here's how:
One of the joys of berry season in France is how often the fruit appears in French everyday life. You will find, if you haven't already, fresh strawberries piled high at open-air markets and food stalls. Or maybe featured in elegant pastries at one of Paris's hundreds of pastry shops. An easy way to enjoy at home, as opposed to simply just eating the fruit itself, is served simply with a dollop of fresh Chantilly cream.
However, our recommendation is to enjoy the fruit to the truest extent in its simplest form: Purchasing fresh from a market and eating them while they’re still warm from the summer sun.
Ready to bring strawberries to the table? Lisa’s Modern French Garden Salad is the perfect place to start.
Lisa's Modern French Garden Salad
A fresh, vibrant salad that balances the earthiness of asparagus with the sweetness of strawberries.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
The Base:
4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)
8 spears of fresh green asparagus, woody ends snapped off
6–8 fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
½ cup cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
2 tablespoons cooked quinoa, farro, or spelt berries (see note below)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly toasted
The Dressing: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Garnish:
4–5 fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced (chiffonade)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Grains
Cook the quinoa, farro, or spelt according to package instructions until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain well and let cool to room temperature.
2. Blanch the Asparagus:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus spears and blanch for exactly 2 minutes. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in the bright green colour. Once cool, drain again and cut the spears into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Fruit and Greens:
Wash and hull the strawberries, cutting them into quarters. Place the baby spinach leaves in a large salad bowl.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Add the cooled asparagus pieces, cooked grains, and strawberry quarters to the bowl with the spinach. Gently toss to combine.
5. Add the Cheese and Dressing:
Dollop the cottage cheese over the top (or gently fold it in if you prefer it distributed throughout). In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat without bruising the strawberries.
6. Serve:
Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and fresh basil just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed immediately while the asparagus is crisp and the strawberries are fresh.
Chef’s Notes for the Home Cook**
To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, shaking frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely as they burn easily.
A great place to pick fresh strawberries this summer:
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