Strawberries and Cream for Wimbledon

Why do they eat Strawberries and Cream for Wimbledon? It is a tradition dating back to the first prestigious tennis tournament in 1887 that has stuck. Sweet fresh strawberries bathed in thick, luscious cream, served with the traditional drink, Pimm’s Cup, a refreshing fruit cup cocktail.

For tennis fans, there’s nothing quite like the quintessential pairing of sweet strawberries and cream to herald the arrival of summer and the excitement of Wimbledon.  Held during peak British strawberry season, the tournament boasts a longstanding tradition of serving the highest quality berries.  

Sourced from the finest British growers, these hand-picked Wimbledon strawberries are a guaranteed symphony of sweetness and flavor.  During the two-week event, over 38.4 tons of strawberries are consumed, alongside countless liters/litres of cream.

Strawberries and Cream History

Tradition has it that King George V first introduced strawberries and cream to Wimbledon in the early 1900s.  While the exact reason remains unclear, it’s likely a combination of factors. Strawberries were a seasonal fruit perfectly ripe during the tournament, and they may have also been particularly fashionable at the time.

A Wimbledon Tradition: How many Strawberries and Cream

Over 200,000 portions of strawberries are sold throughout the tournament, ensuring everyone gets a taste of summer.  Each serving (approximately 8 whole strawberries) are presented in a clear plastic bowl. An integral part of the Wimbledon experience.

What Cream is Served with Strawberries at Wimbledon?

Ever wondered what kind of cream is served with the British strawberries at Wimbledon?  Traditionally, they use “single cream,” which has a lower fat content compared to double cream, a popular option in the UK. 

Since single cream isn’t readily available in the US, a great substitute is simply heavy cream.  Always served in pourable form, never whipped. The thick, cold cream  is simply drizzled over the sweet strawberries and eaten that way. It’s the best and only way to enjoy them, so why mess with tradition?

How to Hull Strawberries

Hulling strawberries might seem like a simple task, but it can affect the overall presentation of your dish. Here’s how to achieve beautiful, intact strawberries:

1. Leaf Removal: Start by gently removing the green leaves from the top of the strawberry.
2. Cone-Shaped Core:  Using a small paring knife, carefully cut a small “V” or cone shape around the white core at the base of the strawberry. This removes the core while preserving the round shape of the berry.

So if you’re a tennis fan (or even if you’re not), strawberries and cream are the perfect summer treat.

Enjoy a Wimbledon Style Picnic

In addition to strawberries and cream, they serve an array of delicious and gourmet food that you can enjoy at home. Try my elegant Tea Sandwiches along with Classic English Scones for an afternoon tea feast that is classically British.

Another tradition since 1971 at Wimbledon is the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup Cocktail. Which is also a traditional British summer drink (see pic below), which goes hand-in-hand with strawberries and cream.

Official drink of Wimbledon

You would think it would be champagne to go with the strawberries, but it is infact the Pimm’s Cup (also called a Pimm’s No.1 Cup, pictured above, that is a gin-based liqueur that is mixed with lemonade and fresh fruit). A traditional since 1971. Want to recreate a taste of Wimbledon at home? Look no further – I’ve got a delicious Pimm’s Cup recipe waiting for you!  

Keeping the strawberry theme going, I also have a delicious variation on a Pimm’s Cup. Below you will see my Pimm’s Strawberry Mint Cocktail which is served with lemonade and fresh mint and strawberries.

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