6 Delicious Ways to Use Scottish Strawberries This Summer

Nothing says summer quite like the burst of sweetness from freshly picked strawberries. 

Scotland might seem like an unlikely place for strawberries to thrive, but the unique conditions in the east of the country means that we can produce some truly exceptional fruit!

Famous for their vibrant flavour and deep red colour, these berries reach their peak in early summer, making now the perfect time to celebrate this iconic seasonal ingredient. 

I’m going to share the story of Scottish strawberries, give you tips for sourcing and how to store them, and serve up six delicious ideas to help you make the most of the short but spectacular season.

Why Scottish Strawberries Are So Special

Scotland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of strawberry growing, but the unique conditions and passion of the dedicated farmers, particularly in the east of the country, we manage to produce some of the finest berries in the world.

Scottish strawberries are primarily grown across the fertile lands of Perthshire, Fife, and Angus, where rich soil and a warmer drier climate creates the perfect environment for these notoriously delicate fruits.

What truly sets Scottish strawberries apart is their ability to ripen slowly. Our long summer daylight hours, combined with cooler temperatures creates perfect conditions for slow ripening - which concentrates natural sugars and develops the sweet juicy gems that Scottish strawberries are. 

Many Scottish strawberry farms - the likes of Stewarts of Tayside, East Scryne Fruit, Angus Soft Fruits and more are committed to sustainable farming methods, citing Integrated Pest Management (IMP) and polytunnels as solutions to reducting pesticide use.

Behind every punnet is a story of hard work and respect. Many farms are family-run and are passed down through generations, constantly raising the high standards that Scottish produce is known for.

6 Delicious Ways to Use Scottish Strawberries

While we’ve all enjoyed countless ‘Wimbledonian’ strawberries and cream - the versatility of strawberries extends far beyond simply eating them fresh from the punnet. 

Try bringing their sweetness and vibrant colour to these simple dishes and desserts.

1. Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess

This delightfully messy dessert represents the very best of British summer cooking, and when made with Scottish strawberries, it becomes something truly special. The traditional Eton Mess gets an elegant upgrade with the addition of elderflower cordial.

Start by soaking your hulled and quartered Scottish strawberries in elderflower cordial for at least thirty minutes. This allows the berries to release their juices while taking on the elderflower flavour.

While the strawberries soak, whip double cream to soft peaks—be careful not to over-whip, as the cream should be light rather than stiff. The beauty of Eton Mess lies in its rustic presentation, so perfection isn't the goal.

For the meringue, you can either make your own or buy ready-made meringue nests. Break the meringue into different sized chunks for textural interest.

Gently fold the soaked strawberries, whipped cream, and broken meringue together, allowing some berry juice to create pink swirls throughout the cream. Serve immediately in glass bowls to showcase the beautiful colours.

2. Balsamic Strawberry Crostini

This sophisticated starter shows how Scottish strawberries work brilliantly in savoury dishes. The combination of sweet berries, tangy balsamic, and creamy goat's cheese creates a complex flavour that's perfect for summer entertaining.

Start with thick slices of good sourdough bread, brush lightly with olive oil and toast until golden and crispy.

For the balsamic glaze, slowly simmer good balsamic vinegar in a small pan until it becomes thick and syrupy. This concentrates the flavour and creates a glossy finish.

Whip fresh goat's cheese with a touch of cream until smooth and spreadable, then season lightly with salt and white pepper.

Slice your Scottish strawberries into thick rounds. Spread the cheese on the toasted bread, arrange the strawberry slices on top, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze and finish with fresh basil leaves.

3. Strawberry and Mint Salad

This refreshing salad pairs Scottish strawberries with peppery rocket, creating a dish that's both elegant and satisfying. It works as a light lunch or impressive side dish for grilled meats.

Hull and halve your strawberries, allowing their cut surfaces to release some juice that will help dress the salad naturally. The key is balancing quantities so each forkful has strawberry sweetness, peppery rocket, cool mint, rich nuts, and tangy cheese.

Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden, watching carefully as they can burn quickly. The nuts add crucial texture and flavour.

Tear fresh mint leaves gently rather than chopping them—this prevents bruising and keeps them looking fresh.

Crumble good feta cheese over the assembled salad, choosing a creamy variety rather than overly salty. Dress simply with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey.

4. Strawberry & Vanilla Jam

Making homemade jam with Scottish strawberries is one of the most rewarding ways to capture summer in a jar. The result is far superior to shop-bought versions, with chunks of fruit and intense, pure flavour.

The key to great strawberry jam is using perfectly ripe berries and balancing fruit, sugar, and acid.

You don't need equal weights of fruit and sugar—modern tastes prefer less sweet jam that lets the strawberry flavour shine.

Gently wash and hull your berries, then cut larger ones in half while leaving smaller berries whole. This creates different textures in the finished jam. Mix the fruit with sugar and leave for several hours or overnight to help the berries release their juices.

Add vanilla—either a split vanilla pod or good vanilla extract—to elevate this simple preserve.

The warm notes complement the strawberries beautifully.

Cook the jam slowly, stirring frequently. The jam is ready when it reaches setting point—test by putting a small amount on a chilled plate and checking if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger.

Properly made jam will keep for up to a year, perfect for gifts or brightening winter mornings.

5. Grilled Strawberry Skewers

This playful dessert brings Scottish strawberries to the barbecue, creating something both unexpected and delicious. The gentle heat lightly browns the natural sugars in the strawberries while marshmallows add sweetness and fun.

Choose larger strawberries as they'll hold up better to grilling. Hull the berries and cut them in half lengthwise, creating flat surfaces that will brown nicely on the grill.

Thread the strawberry halves onto metal skewers with marshmallows, leaving small spaces between each piece for even cooking. This appeals to both adults and children.

Heat your grill to medium and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for just a few minutes, turning carefully to achieve light browning on all sides while keeping the strawberries intact.

Finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate just before serving, allowing it to create artistic patterns.

6. Scottish Strawberry Shortcake

This dessert celebrates Scotland's baking heritage while showcasing the country's exceptional strawberries. Using traditional Scottish shortbread as the base creates something both familiar and innovative.

Good shortbread is essential—look for varieties made with real butter and few additives. It should be crisp but not overly hard, with rich, buttery flavour that won't compete with the strawberries.

Whip fresh cream to soft peaks and add just a touch of vanilla and sugar—don't over-sweeten since the strawberries and shortbread contribute sweetness.

Slice your Scottish strawberries into thick rounds for beautiful layers. Lightly mash some berries to create a sauce that will soak into the shortbread slightly, adding moisture and intensifying flavour.

Layer the components in individual glasses or on plates, letting each person see the beautiful layers of shortbread, cream, and berries. Perfect for special occasions.

Other Scottish Strawberries Pairing Suggestions

The true magic of cooking with Scottish strawberries emerges when they're paired with other exceptional local ingredients. Scotland's rich culinary landscape offers numerous opportunities to celebrate the country's diverse food culture.

Crowdie, Scotland's traditional fresh cheese, creates an exceptional partnership with strawberries. Try serving sliced strawberries over Crowdie spread on oatcakes for a quintessentially Scottish breakfast or afternoon snack.

Scottish rhubarb provides the perfect tart counterpoint to sweet strawberries in crumbles, jams, or fools, while Scottish raspberries create beautiful mixed berry preparations that showcase the diversity of the country's soft fruit production.

Highland honey adds another layer of local flavour with its subtle notes of heather and wildflowers. Use it sparingly in marinades, dressings, or as a finishing touch for desserts.

The resurgence of Scottish gin production offers exciting opportunities for cocktails. Gins like Caorunn or Eden Mill create sophisticated drinks when muddled with fresh strawberries, while a strawberry and gin maceration makes an excellent topping for desserts or ice cream.

Scottish oats provide traditional pairing opportunities, whether as oatcakes served alongside strawberries and cheese, or incorporated into crumble toppings that ground the delicate berries in Scotland's agricultural heritage.

Where to Buy and Pick Scottish

Farm Shops & Deli’s

For the best Scottish strawberries, seek out farm shops, local markets, and artisanal food stores rather than supermarkets. These venues often stock berries that were picked within 24 hours, ensuring peak flavour and freshness that mass retail simply can't match.

Consider choosing organic strawberries whenever possible. Strawberries are particularly susceptible to pesticide residue due to their soft skin and the fact that they're eaten whole. Organic Scottish strawberry farms use natural growing methods that not only protect your health but often produce berries with more intense flavours, as the plants develop stronger natural defences.

When selecting berries, look for deep red colour extending from tip to stem, bright green leafy tops, and a sweet, fragrant aroma. Avoid berries with white patches near the stem (underripe) or any soft, mushy spots (overripe). The best berries should feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure.

Pick Your Own Farms

Cairnie Fruit Farm (Fife) has been welcoming visitors for generations, offering strawberry picking with stunning views across the Forth Valley. This family-run farm typically opens for strawberry season in late June, with picking continuing through July. Beyond fruit picking, their farm shop stocks local produce, homemade jams, and seasonal treats, making it perfect for a full day out.

Craigie's Farm (South Queensferry) combines spectacular views of the Forth Bridges with excellent strawberry picking opportunities. Easily accessible from Edinburgh, this working farm offers seasonal picking of various soft fruits and vegetables, plus a farm shop featuring locally sourced meats and artisan products.

Broadslap Fruit Farm (Perthshire) represents one of Scotland's premier soft fruit operations, with extensive strawberry fields taking advantage of the region's ideal growing conditions. The farm often hosts special events during picking season, including educational tours explaining sustainable farming practices.

Always check farm websites or social media for current picking conditions and opening times before visiting.

How to Keep Them Fresh

Store unwashed berries in the fridge in their original packaging for 1-2 days maximum. Only rinse just before eating or cooking to prevent them going mushy.

If you've bought organic strawberries, a gentle rinse under cold water is sufficient. For conventionally grown berries, consider a more thorough wash—soak them briefly in a bowl of water with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, then rinse well to remove any pesticide residue.

For longer storage, hull and slice the berries, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen strawberries keep for up to 6 months and are perfect for smoothies, baking, and jam-making.

Conclusion

Scottish strawberries are more than just a summer treat—they're a celebration of local flavour, sunshine, and the richness of Scotland's growing season. Whether you enjoy them in a decadent dessert, a light salad, or preserved for winter mornings, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of them.

From the rolling hills of Perthshire to the coastal plains of Fife, Scottish strawberry farms are producing fruit that rivals any in the world for flavour, quality, and character. By choosing Scottish strawberries, we support an entire agricultural ecosystem that values sustainability, quality, and tradition.

So visit your local market or fruit farm, and bring a little taste of summer into your kitchen. Your taste buds—and your appreciation for Scotland's incredible food culture—will thank you for the experience.

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