Strawberries like grapes, are normally associated with temperate countries, and many visitors who come to Thailand between December and March are surprised at the quantities of luscious Strawberries available. Actually, they thrive at the higher altitudes in the northern part of the country and were one of the first fruits introduced by King Bhumiphol to the hill tribes as a substitute crop for opium poppy. Today fresh strawberries are plentiful during the fruiting season, as a visit to any supermarket will show. As in the West, strawberries are also used to produce excellent jam.