Polish strawberry market grapples with import mislabeling and sweet varieties

Polish growers warn that imported strawberries are increasingly being mixed with domestic fruit and sold as “Polish” strawberries. They note that the imported berries look almost identical to the local ones, with only subtle differences in shine and aroma, and point to unusually low prices – “if the price of a Polish strawberry is below 25 zł, I simply don’t believe it,” one farmer said. Consumers are advised to purchase strawberries directly from growers or reputable market stalls and to question sellers who cannot confirm the origin.

At the same time, the current season has produced several very sweet strawberry varieties, such as Lambada, Polka, Kenti, and Albion. These cultivars are praised for their high sugar content, intense aroma and flavor, though some, like Lambada, are fragile and rarely reach large supermarkets. Buyers are encouraged to look for fully coloured fruit with a strong scent and to buy from local producers to enjoy the best taste and ripeness.