A Taste of Summer: Perthshire’s Luscious Berries

When the warmer months arrive, Perthshire truly bursts into life, not just with vibrant landscapes but also with an abundance of some of the most delicious soft fruits imaginable.

Known as Scotland’s ‘Berry Country,’ our region, particularly around Blairgowrie, has a rich heritage rooted in berry growing.

A visit here during the season promises a feast for the senses, from sun-ripened fruit straight from the field to exquisite local preserves and pastries.

From Humble Beginnings to Modern Abundance: The Berry Story

The history of soft fruit cultivation in Perthshire stretches back over a century, transforming our landscape and local communities.

Blairgowrie, in particular, earned the affectionate nickname “Berry Toon” due to its fertile Strathmore valley providing ideal growing conditions. What began with small-scale strawberry and raspberry cultivation in the 1800s soon blossomed into a major industry, changing the rhythm of summer for countless local families and seasonal workers who flocked here for the berry picking season.

Today, while the essence of the harvest remains, modern techniques have evolved. The widespread use of polytunnels has revolutionised the industry, allowing for an extended growing season from late May right through to mid-autumn. These protective tunnels ensure the berries ripen slowly in cooler temperatures and long daylight hours, resulting in intensely sweet and flavourful fruit, while also safeguarding them from unpredictable Scottish weather.

This combination of traditional knowledge and innovative farming means Perthshire continues to produce world-class berries that are cherished across the UK.

A Rainbow of Flavours: Berries Through the Seasons

Throughout the warmer months, Perthshire’s fields offer a delightful progression of flavours:

• Strawberries: Kicking off the season from late May/early June and lasting through to September, these bright red jewels are synonymous with Scottish summer.
• Raspberries: Often considered the true star of Perthshire, raspberries typically come into their prime from July through to August, offering their distinctive sweet and tangy burst.
• Gooseberries & Redcurrants: Also appearing from June and July, these offer a tart contrast, perfect for pies, crumbles, and jellies.
• Blackcurrants: Known for their deep colour and robust flavour, blackcurrants are typically ready for harvest in August.
• Blueberries: Increasingly popular, blueberries ripen from August into October, providing a sweet, antioxidant-rich treat.
• Brambles (Blackberries): These wild delights are often at their best from August into September, perfect for foraging or finding at farm shops.

The Pure Joy of Pick-Your-Own

For an authentic taste of the Perthshire summer, visiting a local pick-your-own (PYO) fruit farm is an unforgettable experience. There’s nothing quite like gathering your own punnets of sun-warmed berries, straight from the plant. It’s a fantastic activity for families, offering a chance to connect with the land and see where your food comes from – plus, you get to enjoy the freshest possible fruit! Many local farms offer this delightful experience, often with farm shops and cafes on site.

From Field to Artisan Creation: Delicious Berry Products

Perthshire’s abundant berry harvest fuels a vibrant local food scene. You’ll find farm shops and independent delis brimming with wonderful berry-infused products:

• Handmade Jams & Preserves: The quintessential way to capture summer’s flavour, with classic raspberry, strawberry, and mixed berry jams.
• Artisan Pastries & Baked Goods: Tarts, crumbles, muffins, and cakes bursting with fresh or preserved berries.
• Local Ice Creams & Sorbets: Cool, creamy delights infused with the pure taste of Perthshire berries.
• Unique Drinks: From refreshing berry cordials to innovative raspberry gins from local distilleries – a true taste of the region!

Indulge in a Traditional Blairgowrie Cream Tea during the Summer

There’s no finer way to savour the essence of Blairgowrie  and Perthshire’s berry bounty than with a classic Cream Tea. Imagine warm, freshly baked scones, generously topped with clotted cream and lashings of rich, homemade berry jam – often made with the very fruit grown just miles away. Paired with a perfect pot of tea or maybe a coffee, it’s an iconic Scottish indulgence.

And we believe it’s an experience best enjoyed right here at our hotel:

• The Blairgowrie Cream Tea: Our traditional Cream Tea includes freshly baked scones, clotted cream, a selection from our chef’s homemade Perthshire berry jams, and your choice of tea or coffee.
• Angus Hotel Afternoon Tea: Our Afternoon Tea includes some hot Scottish bites, a range of fresh sandwiches, some sweet treats and everyone’s favourites – freshly baked scones with jam and cream, along with your choice of tea or coffee.
• Prosecco It Up: Elevate your experience with a chilled glass of sparkling Prosecco, for either your Blairgowrie Cream Tea or Afternoon Tea.