The pineberry, often called the “white strawberry,” is a visually striking fruit known for its unusual appearance and flavor profile. It looks like a standard strawberry that has been bleached white, contrasting sharply with its bright red seeds. This distinct coloration, paired with a taste reminiscent of tropical fruit, makes the pineberry a highly sought-after item. Its limited availability compared to the ubiquitous red garden strawberry drives consumer interest in finding both the fresh fruit and plants for home cultivation.
Defining the Pineberry
The pineberry is not a genetically modified organism but an actual hybrid species of strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa, just like the common red variety. Its lineage traces back to a cross between two wild species: Fragaria chiloensis, native to South America, and Fragaria virginiana, which originates from North America. This unique fruit is naturally white because it lacks the protein responsible for producing the red pigment, known as anthocyanin, during the ripening process.
The absence of this protein leaves the fruit pale, ranging from white to a pale pink blush, while the small seed-like achenes remain distinctly red. This genetic difference gives the pineberry its characteristic flavor, which is frequently described as having notes of pineapple or a general tropical sweetness.
Sourcing the Fresh Fruit
Finding fresh pineberries can be challenging because they are highly perishable and produced in smaller quantities than their red counterparts, making them a niche item. Specialty grocery stores, high-end organic markets, and gourmet food distributors are the most reliable places to locate the fresh fruit. Some large regional and national grocery chains may carry pineberries seasonally, especially those with strong produce departments. Direct-to-consumer delivery services and online marketplaces focusing on gourmet or “rescued” produce also frequently offer the fruit. When they are available, pineberries are significantly more expensive than standard red strawberries, often priced between $7 to $9 for a small 10-ounce container, reflecting their rarity and short shelf life.
Purchasing Plants for Home Growing
Purchasing plants is a reliable route for those interested in growing pineberries at home. The most accessible sources for buying runners or bare-root plants are specialized online nurseries and large seed catalogs. While local garden centers may occasionally stock a variety, the selection and availability are generally better through online vendors.
A requirement for successful home cultivation is understanding the plant’s pollination needs. Most pineberry varieties are not fully self-pollinating and require a standard red strawberry variety planted nearby to produce a good yield. Gardeners should plan to plant one red strawberry plant for every four or five pineberry plants to ensure adequate cross-pollination. These plants are grown similarly to red strawberries, preferring full sun and well-drained soil, and are often sold as everbearing varieties.