Why doesn"t strawberry smell like it used to?

Where did the strawberry aroma disappear? Investigating the mystery of the disappearing flavor of our favorite berry

Reason #1: industrial selection

Modern strawberry varieties that are grown on an industrial scale are selected not for taste or aroma, but for other characteristics:

– resistance to transportation

– shelf life

– disease resistance

– appearance

Aroma and flavor intensity take a back seat. As a result - the berry looks beautiful but is less aromatic.

Reason #2: premature harvesting

For strawberries to "survive" until they reach the store shelves, they are harvested unripe. But aroma, like sugar, develops during the final days of ripening in the garden, under the sun. If the berry is picked earlier - it may turn red, but will never develop its true flavor and smell.

Reason #3: greenhouse cultivation

Many berries, especially early in the season, are grown in greenhouses or using hydroponics, without sunlight and natural soil. This accelerates the process but deprives strawberries of the natural conditions that are "responsible" for aroma - warm sunshine, fresh air, moist soil.

Reason #4: giant varieties

Large-fruited varieties are popular now, but the larger the size, the more often the taste suffers. They are often watery, have a weak smell, and are not as sweet as their smaller "relatives" of older varieties.

What to do?

To experience the real taste and aroma of strawberries, look for:

– berries from farmers' markets

– local varieties, especially small ones

– berries purchased in season (not greenhouse-grown, not early)