Have you ever seen those snow-white strawberries that look like they're from a fairy tale? These special fruits used to be only for fancy restaurants and special fruit shops. Now, they're becoming more common. But where can you find these rare white strawberries?
What Are White Strawberries?
White strawberries are a special type of strawberry that don't have the protein that makes red strawberries red. This protein is called Fragaria allergen 1 (Fra a1). Because of this, white strawberries look creamy white. The main types of white strawberries are Fragaria vesca (Alpine Strawberries), Fragaria chiloensis (Beach or Coastal Strawberries), and Fragaria chiloensis x virginiana (Pineberries).
White strawberry varieties taste a bit differently, with Pineberries tasting like pineapple. Other white strawberry cultivars include Keoki and Snow White. These fruits have been in stores for just a few years. You can find them in places like Aldi, Walmart, and Publix.
White strawberries are harder to grow than red ones. Only about 10% of White Jewel strawberries turn out perfectly white each year. This means they don't grow as much as red strawberries, making them more expensive. You can buy a quart of white strawberries for less than $7 in most stores during their season.
| Variety | Flavor | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Pineberries | Subtle pineapple | Primarily grown in Florida and California, available from November to October |
| Fragaria vesca (Alpine Strawberries) | Delicate, mild | Widely grown in Europe and North America |
| Fragaria chiloensis (Beach or Coastal Strawberries) | Slightly tart | Native to the western coast of the Americas |
The Distinct Flavor of White Strawberries
White strawberries are known for their unique taste, making them stand out from regular red ones. They are often sweeter and have a more complex flavor, with hints of tropical fruits. Pineberries, a type of white strawberry, taste like pineapple and excite the senses.
The special taste of white strawberries comes from not having the Fra a1 protein found in red strawberries. This protein gives red strawberries their color. Without it, white strawberries taste like pineapple, mango, and other tropical fruits. This makes them a refreshing change from the usual strawberry flavor.
Today, over 50 types of white strawberries are available in stores. This means people can try different white strawberry flavor profiles and white strawberry tastes. From the sweet Shiroi Houseki to the tropical flavors in white strawberries of the Pineberry, each type offers a unique way to enjoy these special berries.
White Strawberries in Recipes
White strawberries are a fun twist on the classic red ones. They taste sweet and tropical, making them great for many recipes. You can use them in desserts or salads, adding a special touch to your dishes.
Pairing white strawberries with red ones is a popular choice. This mix looks and tastes amazing, perfect for charcuterie boards or strawberry shortcake. The sweet white strawberries and the traditional red ones together make any dish stand out.
White strawberries aren't just for replacing red ones. Try making a Pineberry Tart with a creamy cheese filling. Or, for a cool summer drink, mix white strawberries with white wine for a unique Sangria.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Pineberry Tart |
|
8 servings |
| White Strawberry Sangria |
|
6-8 servings |
Looking to spice up your cooking? White strawberries can help. They bring tropical flavors and bright colors to your dishes. Use them to make your meals more exciting and delicious.
The White Strawberries Rarity
White strawberries are a rare and sought-after treat. They need special care, making them harder to grow than red strawberries.
Only about 10% of white strawberry plants turn out pure white. They need just the right amount of sunlight to keep their color. Some, like the "White Jewel" from Japan, grow inside to control their sun exposure.
White strawberry plants also produce fewer berries than red ones. This scarcity makes them more expensive and sought after. Some varieties, like the Kokota strawberry, can cost up to $22 each.
Despite the challenges, people love growing and eating white strawberries. There are about 50 types, each with a unique taste. This makes finding and trying them a fun challenge for food lovers and chefs.
White Strawberries Season and Availability
In the United States, white strawberries start to show up in late winter or early spring. They first hit the stores by the end of February or early March. These berries are mainly grown in Florida, especially around Plant City, known as the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the Nation."
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association helps farmers and breeders. They make sure there's a steady supply of top-quality white strawberries for everyone.
Most white strawberries come from Florida. But, some small growers in cooler places might have their own harvests a bit later. If you can't find them locally, places like Melissa's ship them directly to you across the country.
This year, the white strawberry season started about 20 days late. Bad weather led to a 10% drop in production. But, the strawberries are bigger than usual, with some weighing up to 100 grams. This is much bigger than the usual 20-30 grams.
