Discover the Origins of Strawberries and Cream Tradition at Wimbledon - Entertainment

Strawberries and Cream Tradition at Wimbledon

The Championships at Wimbledon , held annually in southwest London , is a massive event in the world of tennis , attracting more than half a million people . Perdita Sedov , the head of food and drink for Wimbledon , manages a team of 3,000 staff , 55 kitchens , and 300 chefs to ensure that everyone leaves happy and full . Wimbledon is the largest single annual catering operation in Europe , serving over 281,000 hot meals , 50 tons of strawberries , 14,968 liters of dairy cream , and 102,144 scones in 2023.

"Ultimately , it 's really about making sure that when you come to Wimbledon , which is a bucket list event for so many people who may only get to visit once in their lifetime , you feel your experience through food and drink as well as what you experience watching the tennis , " Sedov told ABC News.

In addition to traditional British food like fish and chips , Wimbledon offers a wide range of international cuisines to cater to its diverse clientele . The event has embraced sustainability , with a focus on responsible sourcing and reducing food waste . Sedov 's job is to constantly tweak and find the perfect balance in serving players , members , tourists , and guests with different dietary needs and preferences.

The Origins of Strawberries and Cream Tradition

Strawberries and cream have become synonymous with Wimbledon , with over 1.92 million strawberries consumed during the tournament . This tradition dates back to the early 1900s when strawberries were considered a luxury and associated with the upper - class . The particular strawberries served at Wimbledon , the " Malling Centenary " variety , are hand - picked from Hugh Lowe Farms , located near the Grounds.

 The experts at the All - England Lawn Tennis Club believe that the famous foodie pairing of strawberries and cream has been linked to the tournament since at least the early 1900s.

To ensure a fresh supply of strawberries , 100,000 plants are planted in late March each year . The berries are inspected daily by the Food & Drink team at Wimbledon to serve only the best quality to guests . Any leftover strawberries are frozen and used to make strawberry jam for scones and other desserts served at the All England Club.

In conclusion , Wimbledon 's culinary offerings go hand in hand with the world - class tennis action , providing a unique and diverse dining experience for attendees from around the globe . The tradition of strawberries and cream reflects the rich history and elegance of the tournament , showcasing the best of British hospitality and culinary excellence.