Berries all year round: is it possible without losing quality?

The taste of summer in winter

Berries are one of the most emotional foods. In summer, they evoke memories of childhood, the dacha, and the market. But what to do in winter? The modern market offers solutions: imports, greenhouses, and freezing. But the main question remains: can berries be enjoyed year-round without losing their flavor and quality?

Imports: Raspberries from Peru, Blueberries from Chile

In winter, supermarket shelves are filled with blueberries and strawberries from Latin America. Logistics allow them to be delivered thousands of kilometers in just a few days. But imports have a downside:

• high price,
• carbon footprint (air and sea freight),
• taste that is often inferior to local summer berries.

Greenhouse projects: strawberries "off the shelf"

Greenhouse complexes are rapidly developing in Russia and the CIS countries. Today, fresh strawberries and blackberries can be grown year-round, albeit at a higher cost. The advantages are obvious:

• Freshness,
• local production,
• fewer transport risks.
• The downside is that the price remains higher than seasonal prices, and the taste isn't always ideal: greenhouse berries are often more watery.

Freezing: a quality compromise

Blast freezing technology preserves up to 95% of vitamins and flavor. This solution is increasingly being chosen by both home cooks and the HoReCa industry. Frozen blueberries and strawberries are ideal for smoothies, pies, and desserts. However, the "freshness effect" of freezing is, of course, different: you won't get crispy berries in winter.

Consumer choice

Today the market offers three scenarios:

• Pay extra for imported berries.
• Buy local greenhouse berries.
• Buy frozen berries.

And everyone chooses their own. Young people often choose frozen berries for convenience, families prefer fresh berries for holidays, and restaurants prefer imported berries for their appearance.

Ecology and the future

In the coming years, the trend will shift toward local production. Greenhouses are already supported in Europe with "green subsidies." This sector will likely grow in Russia as well.

Conclusion

Berries are available year-round. But "summer in a jar" will still cost more than seasonal berries from the market. For consumers, the choice is between price, taste, and sustainability.