White varieties of strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most delicious berries cultivated by humans all over the world. Even in Ancient Greece, it was served as a delicacy at large feasts, which only noble people could afford. It is there that the first mention of an attempt to domesticate strawberries is found. White strawberry varieties have been recently developed.

In our time, strawberries have undergone many changes, but their taste has not suffered from this. On the contrary, breeders have made improvements over the years, creating more forgiving varieties with increased yields. The latest achievement of scientists is white strawberries.

Strawberries are an unusually healthy berry. It contains a whole complex of vitamins, organic acids, fiber and other useful substances, while having low energy value. Therefore, it is often included in weight loss diets. There are a huge number of diets based specifically on strawberries.

Despite its taste and beneficial properties, this berry has contraindications. It is not popular among allergy sufferers because it often provokes allergic reactions. The culprit is a special protein found in strawberries. It begins to work actively at the moment the berry ripens, as a result of which it turns red. When developing white varieties of strawberries, this protein was removed, so the berries were no longer allergenic.

White varieties of strawberries — how they were created

Pineberry translated from English means pineapple berry. Indeed, white strawberries have a distinct smell and taste of pineapple. This strawberry was obtained by crossing the Chilean strawberry Fragaria chiloensis and the North American Fragaria. When wondering how white strawberries were created, one cannot help but mention French farmers. North American strawberries, also known as Virginia strawberries, came to French farmers from the American state of Virginia in the early 17th century. The fruits of the plant were much larger than wild strawberries, but not as juicy.
As for the Chilean one, it was first discovered in 1714 by the French captain Frezier, drawing attention to the large berries that were grown by the local residents of Chile.

He was so amazed by this variety that he managed to get several plants. Caring for the seedlings, he preserved them throughout the entire voyage, which lasted about six months. Upon arrival in France, he distributed the plants to many acquaintances, among whom was the botanist Jussier. He began vegetative propagation of strawberries, but none of the plants could bear fruit. The fact is that strawberries are dioecious plants, and Captain Frezier brought only female varieties to France. And only after the botanist gave some of them to his friend Duchesne, the strawberries began to coexist with the Virginia variety. Pollination occurred and it bore its first fruits. However, many specimens were replaced by other varieties due to the fact that, out of ignorance, the Chilean one was removed as sterile. However, the French laid the foundation for the creation of the white strawberry variety Pineberry.

Dutch white strawberries

Dutch farmers took French strawberry varieties as a basis, and after several years of selection they obtained the white Pineberry variety. The breeder Hans de Jong did this by selecting the best seedlings. Dutch white strawberries are widely known for their unusual color and very pleasant taste, reminiscent of pineapple. The variety was bred in the Netherlands, revealing to the world medium-sized white berries up to 3 cm with red or brown seeds. The berries are initially green, but turn white as they ripen. Sometimes, if exposed to the sun for a long time, the berries may turn pink or orange. The variety is not resistant to diseases and cold, and is also least susceptible to pests. The method of growing it is also called Dutch, namely, not in the open air, but in greenhouses. In this way, the best conditions for year-round fruiting are created. Initially, the variety was called Pineapple Strawberry, which later received a second name - Pineberry, especially for the UK. It entered the market in 2011, but there was little demand for it due to its high price.

Strawberries have almost no sourness, but are exclusively dessert. It does not tolerate transportation well and it is advisable to eat it immediately.

Later, white strawberries began to be grown in Chile, but their taste does not reach European levels. Chilean strawberries, on the other hand, have almost no sweetness. Because of this, it can be mistaken for unripe. Breeders do not stop experimenting with this berry, trying to increase its size and maintain a pleasant sweet taste. Perhaps very soon the Pineberry strawberry will become the queen of berries.

White strawberries, large-fruited

Not all white strawberry varieties have small fruits. Many breeding advances are aimed at improving taste and disease resistance. Among other varieties, the White Swede was created, which also has high resistance to diseases. This strawberry is white, large-fruited up to 25 g, with a pleasant pineapple smell. The berries are beautiful, regular in shape, medium ripening. Due to the absence of red pigment, strawberries are suitable for allergy sufferers and baby food. Growing the White Swede variety is not very difficult and quite justified. White varieties of strawberries are unattractive to birds and remain untouched. Large fruits are often used for sale due to their aesthetic appearance and high taste. They have an average density and, under conditions of proper storage and transportation, can withstand even long distances.

White strawberries, agricultural technology

Growing and caring for white varieties of strawberries is almost no different from traditional strawberries. It is best to grow white strawberries in greenhouses. The berry is heat-loving and sensitive to excessive moisture.

The height of the bushes is about 25 cm, they get along well next to other varieties. Soil acidity should not exceed 6.5. It is necessary to enrich the soil with organic and mineral fertilizers, then dig up and begin planting. The bushes are planted in prepared areas, making sure that the heart of the plant does not go underground. The optimal distance between bushes is 20 cm. Watering can be carried out either traditionally or by drip irrigation, depending on the type of cultivation and the nature of the soil. Fertilizer feeding is carried out several times during the season.

The variety has good winter hardiness and easily tolerates temperature changes. Used for cultivation in the Southern and Northern regions of Russia. In rainy weather, the crop may die, so planting outdoors is not recommended. Delicate strawberries require delicate conditions. In isolated soil it will feel much better. To do this, it is recommended to plant it in greenhouses in the form of traditional or vertical beds.

The hybrid variety does not require cultivation from seeds. Strawberries reproduce only by tendrils. However, this method will not get rid of existing diseases. To obtain white varieties of strawberries that are not susceptible to diseases, it is enough to purchase seedlings in special nurseries that grow plants using the test tube method.