The G.S.T

Serves 2

Ingredients
Gin
Tonic Water
Ice
4 tablespoons Strawberry syrup or smashed fresh strawberries
Shredded basil leaves
Slices of lime

Method
Add 1/3 gin to 2/3 tonic water in each highball glass
Add crushed ice, 2 tablespoons of Strawberry syrup or smashed strawberries per glass
Decorate with lime & basil shred

Queensland Strawberry Growers: "Help Make September Strawesome"

A 'perfect storm' of weather conditions in Queensland's key growing regions has meant there is now an abundance of fresh strawberries available for Aussies to enjoy. 

A series of unseasonably warm, dry and sunny days followed by cool crisp nights has seen strawberries flood supermarket shelves as prices plummet. 

• Combined July and August rainfall 39.6mm vs. 107.6mm (long-term average) 
• Since 8 July – only 10.4mm of rain total
• July average daily maximum temps >1C above long-term averages, August average daily temps 0.6C above long-term averages

This data indicates warmer than average days, with 2/3 less rainfall than usual resulting in large quantities of high-quality berries available. 

Growers are expecting one million punnets per day to leave farms day over the next three weeks. That's seven million punnets a week – laid end to end, that's enough to stretch to the moon and back. 

While consumers will be cheering, strawberry growers are asking Australians to pop an extra punnet or two in their trolleys to help move this short shelf life fruit and show their support for the industry. 

"The strawberries we're supplying are sweet, juicy and in abundance, but the cooler weather down south has seen demand drop. Strawberries are so versatile and also freeze well – take advantage of the price and try a strawberry salsa to accompany meat or fish, or add them to your morning smashed avo with a drizzle of balsamic glaze," said South East Queensland strawberry grower Laura Wells. 

"Strawberries are also packed with vitamin C and folate to help your immunity so they're the perfect snack for your family." 

Facebook.com/QldStrawberries