Strawberry Season Blossoms at Irkutsk Central Market

Every summer, the editors of IrCity head to Irkutsk«s Central Market to find the freshest, ripest, juiciest strawberries. Especially in July, local berries begin to appear on the stalls. A couple of months ago we reported on the prices of Kyrgyz and Chinese strawberries; now it»s time to find out what our local berries are going for.

A traditional sign: if in July you spot huge, bright scarlet strawberries that look uniformly perfect, they are Baikal berries. Not long ago the «Victoria» festival, an annual strawberry celebration, took place in the south of the Baikal region, signaling the height of the season for this beloved treat. However, vendors caution that each batch is different: sometimes Baikal strawberries can be tasteless and watery.

The most common varieties from Baikalsk are «Liya Sakharnaya», «Zenit», «Zenga Zengana», and «Cherny Prints» (Black Prince). The latter is considered the largest and most aromatic. According to market staff, the taste depends on growing conditions: if there was lots of sun and not too much rain, the berries are sweet and fragrant. Vendors boast, «Tasty, like homemade.»

Prices for Baikal strawberries range from 1,300–1,400 to 2,000 rubles per kilogram ($14–$16 to $22 at current rates). Smaller, less attractive berries are sold cheaper, often destined for jam. The bulk of offerings are between 1,500 and 2,000 rubles ($17–$22).

Also on display is another local type — Irkutsk strawberries, grown on plots in Irkutsky District in Urik, Khomutovo, and other villages. There is less of it than Baikal berries, but enough to meet demand. The price depends on quality: 2,500 rubles per kilogram ($28) for the most perfect-looking berries (almost too good to eat). On average, they go for around 1,500 rubles ($17).

And wild forest strawberries are already on sale. They may look rather plain, but they are the most fragrant of all. The stall exudes an intense, mesmerizing aroma that draws customers. At just 400 rubles per liter ($4), they are usually bought for making preserves.