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The Wimbledon Championships 2024 had spectators around the world. However, this year, it’s special because a few Bollywood celebrities headed to London to witness one of four Grand Slams in the world of professional tennis. Sonam K Ahuja, Parineeti Chopra, Kiara Advani, Siddharth Malhotra, and others not only enjoyed the sight of players showcasing their skills at the Centre Court but also indulged in an age-old tradition of relishing strawberries and cream.
It’s not just a delicacy served at Wimbledon, London, but a tradition in which everyone likes to participate. It’s not a coincidence that spectators have been posting about enjoying strawberries with cream. This article will acquaint you with this unique tradition.
Eating Strawberry-Cream Tradition At Wimbledon
It is reported that vendors have been serving strawberries with cream at Wimbledon since the tennis championships began in London in 1877. Freshly-picked berries are served with lightweight cream just like Americans relish hot dogs, Indians eat pani puri or bhel puri, and French enjoy their croissants and crepes.
Reportedly, 28,000 kg of English strawberries are served with 7,000 litres of cream in the 14 days in which the Wimbledon Championships are organised. The berries come from Kentish LEAF-registered farms, an organisation known for environment-conscious and sustainable farming methods. Every day they are picked to be sent to the All English Club the next day. After inspecting and de-stemming, vendors at the Club serve them to spectators.
Significance Of Eating Strawberry-Cream At Wimbledon
The sour flavour of berries coupled with sweet and smooth cream make for an irresistible combination. If you are a food lover, you should also know about the significance of this iconic combination in the history of Wimbledon. The strawberries in London symbolise the arrival of the summer season.
It is believed that King Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, was the first man to have ever served strawberries and cream in the 16th century. When the King and his ministers were visiting Wolsey’s home at Hampton Court, he thought of presenting them with this simple yet unique dessert, which the King loved. Wolsey’s house was only 10 miles or 16 km from the present-day Wimbledon.
In the first-ever Wimbledon edition in 1877, strawberries and cream were served when the court only had 200 spectators. Since the berries are in season and make for a refreshing snack during one of the most elitist sporting events in the world, the practice of pairing them with creams soon turned into a tradition.
