Strawberries

British strawberries are a proper summer treat, sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavour.

But did you know they’re also quite delicate? Strawberries tend to absorb water easily, which can make them soft, mushy and that’s why it’s best not to wash them under running water, and if you grow your own then don't pick them just after heavy rainfall, as the excess moisture can affect their texture.

To keep your strawberries fresh and delicious, simply wipe them gently with a piece of damp kitchen paper to remove any dirt or debris, this helps preserve their natural sweetness and firm bite. Looking after them correctly ensures you enjoy the best of British strawberry season.

The Delia Online Cookery School: Meringues go really well with strawberries, and you can watch how easy they are to make in our video. Just click the image to play.

Eton Mess

This recipe, inspired by the strawberry-and-cream dessert traditionally served at Eton College on 4 June, i...

This recipe, inspired by the strawberry-and-cream dessert traditionally served at Eton College on 4 June, is great for nervous meringue makers – because the meringues ...

1 hour

Fromage Frais Cheesecake

Whenever I see cheesecake on a menu I'm filled with longing – there's something awfully comforting about ch...

Whenever I see cheesecake on a menu I'm filled with longing – there's something awfully comforting about cheesecake – but the question always arises as to whether it w...

Fromage Frais Creams with Compote

Previously, I have made these with mascarpone, but this low-fat alternative is, I feel, every bit as good a...

Previously, I have made these with mascarpone, but this low-fat alternative is, I feel, every bit as good as the rich version and the perfect accompaniment to any frui...

Strawberry Preserve

Strawberries are cheap and plentiful in the summer, so why not take advantage of this by storing away some ...

Strawberries are cheap and plentiful in the summer, so why not take advantage of this by storing away some of their sunny, ripe flavour to brighten bleak winter days t...

Iced Hidden Strawberry Cup Cakes

After the football cakes we felt we needed a very girly alternative – and these really fit the bill. The...

After the football cakes we felt we needed a very girly alternative – and these really fit the bill. The cakes are pretty and delicate. Inside each is a hidden stra...

15 minutes - 20 minutes

Mascarpone Creams with Summer Fruit Puree

Rich, luscious mascarpone, lightened by yoghurt, makes these velvety creams cool and soothing after a rich ...

Rich, luscious mascarpone, lightened by yoghurt, makes these velvety creams cool and soothing after a rich main course. You can use any combination of soft summer f...

Strawberries and Cream Sponge Cake

This may look a little complicated, but in fact the final result makes it so much easier to serve for a par...

This may look a little complicated, but in fact the final result makes it so much easier to serve for a party. The Delia Online Cookery School: For more sponge cake...

30 minutes - 35 minutes

Strawberries in Raspberry Puree

This is one of the simplest and most delicious sweet dishes I know and proves it's not always necessary to ...

This is one of the simplest and most delicious sweet dishes I know and proves it's not always necessary to spend hours in the kitchen to make something spectacular. ...

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

This is what I'd call half dessert and half ice cream. My niece Hannah and nephew Tom are chief ice-crea...

This is what I'd call half dessert and half ice cream. My niece Hannah and nephew Tom are chief ice-cream tasters in our family and this one gets very high ratings ...

Strawberry Granita

This is the recipe to make when there's a real glut of ripe strawberries. It's a much nicer way to conse...

This is the recipe to make when there's a real glut of ripe strawberries. It's a much nicer way to conserve them than simply freezing them. The granita looks like s...

Strawberry Hazelnut Shortcakes

If you’ve managed to grow a fine crop of strawberries with the sun shining and the rain holding off, then t...

If you’ve managed to grow a fine crop of strawberries with the sun shining and the rain holding off, then the last thing you’ll need is a recipe. With that wonderfu...

Vegetarian

Strawberry Ice Cream with Sweet Salsa

The addition of balsamic vinegar to dairy products such as cream and ice cream tempers the richness and add...

The addition of balsamic vinegar to dairy products such as cream and ice cream tempers the richness and adds a subtle flavour. Couple this with its affinity with st...

Vegetarian

Strawberry and Vanilla Pavlova

This is a delicious pudding which is very difficult to make if you don't have the right recipe but dead eas...

This is a delicious pudding which is very difficult to make if you don't have the right recipe but dead easy if you do! Served with sharp fruits to counterac...

1 hour