The sound of balls hitting the grass, the impeccable, elegant white of the outfits, and, between tie breaks and set points, countless spectators dipping their spoons into fresh cream. Tennis isn't the only thing at Wimbledon, and while the champions battle it out for their place in history, many fans' ritual consists of watching the matches while enjoying a bowl of strawberries and cream. But why does this "strange" habit arise over there ? This year, the most prestigious tennis tournament takes place from June 29th to July 12th, and today we'll tell you about a British ritual that evokes summer, tennis, and tradition.
From an Aristocratic Ritual to a Grand Slam Snack
Legend has it that the combination of strawberries and cream originated in 16th-century England, when Henry VIII reigned and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey served this simple yet elegant dessert at banquets at Hampton Court. But it was precisely at the prestigious tennis tournament that this combination found its consecration. We need to go back to 1877, the year the London competition was founded. From the very first edition, spectators were served strawberries, and the reason is very simple: the idea came from Henry Jones, director of the club and a lover of this snack, who chose it precisely for its seasonal popularity, as well as its refinement. Strawberries were actually easy to find and already a symbol of the English summer. The cloud of cream gave that touch of freshness that made this snack perfect for that type of climate.
Today, according to the official Wimbledon website, eating strawberries at the tournament has become an integral part of the event. Impressive quantities are sold: 190,000 portions each year and over 7,000 liters of cream, all during the two weeks of the tournament. The strawberries chosen must be strictly British and hand-picked. They are grown in Kent and delivered fresh every single day. The most popular variety is the Malling Centenary, chosen for its balance of sweetness and texture. Each portion contains about ten strawberries accompanied by a generous dollop of cream at a price that, for the type of tournament we are attending, is surprisingly affordable: 2.50 pounds (about 3,35 dollars).
In short, we're talking about a ritual rather than a dessert, and strawberries and cream embody everything Wimbledon stands for: understated elegance, crafted with a hint of nostalgia for the England we all love, a country steeped in afternoon tea. It's no coincidence that other tournaments offer hot dogs, beer, and nachos, while Wimbledon remains faithful to its elegant and, in this case, thoroughly British style.
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