strawberries and i have been friends for many years. in malawi we had a huge strawberry patch and whenever i went missing i’d often be found sitting in the strawberry patch, helping myself to the fruit.

they remain one of my favourite fruits and are never better than when they are english and in season. my dad has always liked his with a grinding of black pepper which really makes the strawberry flavour pop. similarly good, and something i’m enjoying this year, is a drizzle of the twelve year old balsamic vinegar i bought in italy a few years ago. lovely.