IT’S the tasty fruit traditionally associated with the lazy, hazy days of summer.

Strawberries are synonymous with Wimbledon and other events held in June and July, when Britain basks in the longest and hottest days of the year.

Now with the nights drawing in and November just around the corner, summer has ceased to be anything other than a pleasant memory.

But strawberries are still being picked on fruit farms across the UK, which is experiencing the longest growing season in history.

This year’s harvest has smashed all previous records. Suppliers have already produced more than 60,170 tonnes, enough to fill 150 million punnets, and say the berry bonanza could last until December for the first time ever.

Businesses benefiting from the bumper crop include the New Forest Fruit Company, whose customers include Sainsbury’s, Asda and Lidl.

Based at Newhouse Farm, near Beaulieu, the company grows strawberries on a 200-acre site and employs 450 people at the height of the season.

The farm, which uses a mixture of glasshouses and polytunnels, looks set to produce 2,350 tonnes this year – an increase on the 2013 total.

Chairman John Boyd cited the exceptionally mild spring and autumn.

He said: “Beaulieu is a superb location in terms of climate but this season has been unprecedented. Having started four or five days earlier than normal we’ve already had an extra two weeks and will probably have a third.

“The weather has been good since the beginning of September.

“Picking in the field normally stops on or about October 10 but the outdoor team is still going, which means there are 35 jobs here that wouldn’t normally exist at this time of year.”

This year 98 in every 100 strawberries sold in Britain over the summer were grown in the UK.

British Summer Fruits (BSF), the body dedicated to the promotion of strawberries and other crops, says the season is expected to last 38 weeks, compared with the six-week growing period seen 25 years ago.

A BSF spokesman said: “The success of the industry can be largely attributed to the introduction of new varieties and increased acreage.

“The introduction of polytunnels in 1993 has also helped produce a reliable crop, which before was open to the whims of the British weather.

“This year consumers have benefited from ideal growing conditions throughout the year. Good levels of sunshine, low humidity, warm temperatures and cooler nights have resulted in a vintage crop.”

All about strawberries

Daily Echo:

About 27,000 kilos of strawberries are eaten during the Wimbledon.

Strawberries contain chemical called Ellagic Acid, which can help fight cancer. They are also thought to protect against heart disease.

Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.

Belgium has a museum dedicated to the bright red berry, which is a member of the rose family.

Nine strawberries provide your recommended daily amount of Vitamin C.