Have You Heard Of White Strawberries?
White strawberry is an exciting and exotic berry that was in danger of extinction before it was rescued by a group of Dutch farmers.
Have you heard of white strawberries?
By 2003, this strange type of strawberry had almost disappeared. But these farmers came at just the right time and managed to keep it alive to this day. Now it is far out of danger.
In today’s market, there are lots of exotic fruits and berries that are “rare”. Because they are either difficult to grow or because they only produce fruit once or twice a year. This is the case with white strawberries, because they are not found in so many parts of the world. Or because they exist in such limited quantities that most people do not even know they exist.
A little background story…
They are called both “pineberries” and white strawberries, but they have a taste that is very similar to pineapple. Still, it is actually a type of strawberry.
They are said to have originated in Chile, but in the 18th century they were exported to France, where they spread to many other parts of the world.
This small berry is the result of crossing two different species of strawberries ( Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis ), both of American origin. The hybrid, which was made by accident, was given the scientific name Fragaria x ananassa . To indicate that it is was a hybrid of origin. And it refers to their characteristic smell and taste of pineapple.
Although these were once common to sell in markets in Central and South America (where they were easy to grow). The lack of interest among farmers in other parts of the world led to a decline in their planting and cultivation, which made the species very rare, and almost completely extinct.
But in 2003, some Dutch farmers decided to combine their efforts to save the endangered species and to reintroduce it to France for commercial purposes.
About the white strawberries
- In Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to find these berries marked as “white soul”.
- This small berry is characterized by its strong aroma and taste of pineapple, especially when it is fully ripe.
- Unlike ordinary red strawberries, this variety is white, and has red spots and green leaves.
- The plant on which the white strawberries grow is quite resistant to disease, but the cultivation of them is seldom profitable, because a large number of the berries fail to ripen in relation to the total number of berries per plant.
- It is believed that the nutrient content of the white strawberries is similar to that of ordinary strawberries, but this is still being investigated.
Restoration of the species
Until 2003, white strawberries were almost extinct throughout the world, and very few people knew they existed. Thanks to the lack of interest in them for so many decades.
Today, the production of this berry is still very low. So there are many parts of the world where people do not even know they exist. Given the difficulties of production that we mentioned earlier, those who can find them have to pay a very high price for only a small amount of them.
It is expected that in the coming years, when the species has been introduced to new parts of the world. Will white strawberries be more available to the average consumer.
