You almost forget from year to year. Especially after a long winter of strawberries from other parts of the world. But then they're back in late June, the Norwegian strawberries. And immediately you remember how they tasted, how wonderfully sweet and fresh they were, and how intensely flavorful they are compared to all other strawberries in the world.
The strawberry is a member of the rose family, and is actually not a berry, but a false fruit formed from a swollen flower base. The real berries are the tiny seeds or nuts on the outside of the strawberries.
Cultivation of strawberries did not begin until the 19th century, when European and American strawberry plants were crossed. Today there are around 150 varieties adapted to different climates and with different flavor characteristics. In Norway, Korona is the most popular, while Sonata is climbing to a solid second place.
The reason Norwegian strawberries taste so good is their long growing season, a result of the cool climate.
If you have good Norwegian strawberries, you have the perfect dessert. They are so good on their own that they need little accompaniment. But if you do want something with them, the simple is often the best.
Fresh strawberries pair perfectly with a fresh, lively Moscato d'Asti or Brachetto d'Acqui from Piemonte. Both have a delicate sweetness, light bubbles, and a berry-like fruitiness that harmonizes perfectly with strawberries.