Now is the ideal time to enjoy strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, lettuce and asparagus while they're fresh, crisp and ripe
Strawberries – in season March to July
Spinneys' strawberry growers are located across the globe from California to Scotland, meaning the season for the delicious red fruits can extend well into the summer months. Check for glossy, deep red colourings, and don't worry too much about choosing the pack with the biggest fruits; small strawberries are even juicier.
Meet the producers – Hall Hunter and Seahills Farm
Spinneys offers premium-quality strawberries from two British growers. Hall Hunter farms have been producing strawberries since 1966. The strawberry plants are grown in coir substrate under polythene tunnels using sustainable farming practices such as wild bee pollination. Seahills Farm in Scotland grows strawberries in climate-controlled greenhouses without the use of chemicals. Since the farm is located by the sea, the berries get additional sunlight, reflected off the surface of the water, which makes them extra sweet.
Blueberries – in season March to October
Many of the blueberries found on Spinneys' shelves are grown locally in Al Ain. This enables the berry growers to harvest, package and deliver the perishable superfruits to Spinneys quickly, without losing any freshness. Look for dry, firm plump berries with a smooth skin – these will give you the classic blueberry 'crunch'. If the berries are a greenish/reddish colour, just leave them for a few days, as they're underripe.
Meet the producers – Elite Agro
One of the leading producers in the UAE, Elite Agro pioneered blueberry farming in the Middle East. The blueberries are grown inside greenhouses that are equipped with state-of-the-art automated climate control technology to ensure the plants thrive. The plants are sown in a growing medium specially created for blueberries. Drip irrigating ensures all essential nutrients reach the plants. Upon maturation, the berries are harvested, graded and packaged by hand.
Mangoes – in season March to July
India's monsoons make it an ideal climate for growing mangoes and plants flowered in November will be ready for Spinneys' customers four months later. As you can't tell a mango's ripeness by its shape or colour (they come in many different shades), look for a smooth, leather-like skin and plump flesh around the stem where the pulp and juices have developed and risen.
Meet the producers – AAMRAI Organic Mangoes
Spinneys sources sweet and juicy organic Alphonso mangoes from AAMRAI Organic Mango Farms in India. Beside mango, a number of other fruit and nut trees grow at the farm. This biodiversity strengthens the natural defences and immunity of the plants. No chemical fertilisers or pesticides are employed at any stage of the farming process. Skilled and experienced mangolatiers ensure that the fruit is harvested at the right time.
Lettuce – in season April to mid-October
Lettuce grows quickly, with certain varieties reaching full maturity in under two months. This means that spring-sown lettuce can arrive at Spinneys fresh, nutrient-rich and in perfect condition. All you really have to look for are intact and wilt-free leaves.
Meet the producers – Levarht
The Dutch company has partnered with Murciana de Vegetales to supply Spinneys with multiple varieties of lettuce. The family-run company controls all aspects of the production process and owns farms in various areas of Spain to ensure a continuous supply throughout the year. Its facilities include a modern laboratory accredited by ENAC to carry out analysis of pesticides. Thereby guaranteeing maximum quality control over its produce.
Asparagus – in season all year round
Thanks to the use of sophisticated irrigation systems, Spinneys' Peruvian Asparagus growers can produce the firm, green shoot year-round. Firmness and taste are guaranteed – the tenderest asparagus will have tall, straight spears with stout, bright heads.
Meet the producer – Levarht
The vibrant, crispy asparagus in-store is sourced from trusted Dutch company Levarht. It has partnered with Beta, a leading Peruvian agricultural business, to supply Spinneys with the highest-quality produce from Peru. The asparagus is handled with care to provide a healthy, table-ready product. Due to the location of its farms, in the north and south of Peru, Beta is able to grow asparagus throughout the year.
