The common image of a strawberry is bright, glossy red, making the idea of a purple variety seem like a myth. However, certain strawberry cultivars have been developed that display a color far removed from the familiar scarlet hue. These unique berries achieve a deep, unconventional coloration, often described as burgundy, wine-colored, or even black. This deep coloration is the result of focused plant breeding that utilizes the natural genetic variation within the strawberry species.
The Reality of Purple Strawberries
Truly vibrant, indigo-colored strawberries seen in online images are often digitally altered or represent speculative concepts. The varieties available to consumers and gardeners are instead characterized by a deep, highly saturated, dark red that verges on purple or maroon. A prime example is the ‘Purple Wonder’ cultivar, which was developed through traditional breeding methods at Cornell University over a 13-year period.
This specific cultivar was naturally bred to exhibit this intense pigmentation. Varieties marketed as “black strawberries” also fall into this category, representing extremely dark red or deep burgundy fruit achieved through selection. Unlike common red strawberries, which are white inside, the dark pigment in these purple types often permeates the entire flesh of the berry. This deep hue makes them distinct from traditional market fruit and suitable for uses like dark preserves or wines where color intensity is desired.
Understanding Strawberry Pigmentation
The color of a strawberry is determined by the accumulation of water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins. In most common red strawberries, the dominant anthocyanin is pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, which is responsible for the bright red coloration. The shift from red to a deep purple or burgundy is primarily a matter of concentration and the specific type of anthocyanin present.
Breeders select for plants that increase the genes responsible for anthocyanin production, leading to a high increase in pigment content. When anthocyanin concentration is extremely high, the color spectrum shifts from a standard red toward a deep violet. While pelargonidin is the most abundant pigment, a deeper color may also involve a higher relative proportion of cyanidin, an anthocyanin that imparts a darker red or purplish hue.
Gene expression, particularly of transcription factors like MYB proteins, controls the activation of the enzymes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. The genetic makeup of the cultivar is the main determinant of this process, dictating the potential for pigment accumulation. Environmental factors like exposure to light and temperature also influence the final color intensity and pigment composition during the ripening phase.
Practical Availability and Cultivation
These deeply pigmented varieties, such as ‘Purple Wonder,’ are primarily marketed to home gardeners rather than commercial growers. They are sold as seeds or nursery plants through specialty catalogs and online retailers. The plants are hardy and perform well across temperate regions, making them accessible to many home growers.
The ‘Purple Wonder’ is known for being a June-bearing type that produces a concentrated harvest and is well-suited for container gardening. The plants are compact and produce fewer horizontal shoots compared to many common red varieties. Flavor is described as sweet, aromatic, and having a strong, classic strawberry character with a low-acid feel. The high sugar and antioxidant content of these deep-colored berries contributes to their intense flavor profile.