The season of the beloved fruit has begun: Here's how to distinguish domestic from imported strawberries.

The main difference between domestic and imported strawberries lies in their taste. Domestic strawberries typically have a more pronounced sweetness and stronger aroma, while imported ones often taste milder and less intense, which can give the impression of being less fresh.

The difference is also noticeable in the scent. Domestic strawberries usually have a strong and recognizable fragrance, whereas imported ones often have a very faint or almost imperceptible smell. This is commonly attributed to the fact that imported strawberries are harvested earlier to withstand transportation.

When it comes to appearance, domestic strawberries are often irregularly shaped, medium-sized, and have natural deformities. Imported ones are usually larger, more uniform, and visually perfect. Additionally, imported strawberries are firmer, while domestic ones are softer and juicier.

Differences can also be seen in color. Imported strawberries typically have an intense and uniform red hue, while domestic ones can range from light red to darker shades. In domestic strawberries, the inner part is often lighter than the outer part, further indicating more natural ripening.

Another detail that sets them apart is the stem. On freshly picked domestic strawberries, it is light green, while a darker stem may indicate a longer period after harvesting. Additionally, domestic strawberries often have a more pronounced number of seeds on the surface compared to imported ones.