Have you ever seen Black or Purple Strawberries in the grocery store? If not, you’re not alone. You will probably never find a Black Strawberry, but Purple Strawberries are not as elusive. Most people have never heard of these strange-looking berries before. So what are they, and where do they come from?
While the Black Strawberry doesn’t actually exist, the Purple Strawberry, a regular strawberry with a different color, was developed at Cornell University in 1999.
Some people think they taste better than regular strawberries, but this is debatable. Purple Strawberries can now be grown in your garden or even found in specialty stores, and they usually cost a bit more than traditional strawberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not give them a try? Who knows, you might just be surprised at how good they are!
Black Strawberries Do Not Exist
In the early 2000s, the ‘Black Strawberry’ went viral via a set of photographs. The fruit in the pictures was a hybrid that looked like a cross between a strawberry and a blackberry. However, the Black Strawberry is not a real fruit; it is a piece of art created by John Robertson.
In 2002, Robertson worked on a photography project, using resin to create fake fruit for the shoot. The photographs were published online, and they quickly gained attention. Since then, various sellers have used the images to scam customers by selling fake Black Strawberries. So if you see someone selling these “fruits,” beware; they don’t exist in nature!
What are Purple Strawberries Called?
The Purple Strawberry is very real and called the Purple Wonder, named and designed by Cornell professors, aiming to innovate with its taste and color.
Where do Purple Strawberries Come From?
The development of the Purple Wonder Strawberry is a fascinating example of the dedication and commitment required to bring a new fruit variety to market. It was first created by the small fruits breeding program at Cornell University in 1999.
However, the process of developing and releasing a new berry can be extensive. In this case, it took 13 years of research and development before the Purple Wonder was finally released in March 2012. Since then, it has become popular for home gardeners and commercial growers. Thanks to the hard work of the Cornell team, we can now enjoy this delicious and unusual strawberry.
Growing Purple Strawberries
The Purple Strawberry does well throughout the temperate regions of the US. This is because the berries are grown in ideal conditions and picked at peak ripeness. The result is a juicy, sweet, and delicious fruit perfect for snacking on or using in recipes.
The great thing about Purple Strawberries is that they produce few runners. This means you can strategically plant them in your garden without worrying about them taking over. It also makes them viable for those with limited space, where container gardening is the ideal solution.
What do Purple Strawberries Taste Like?
This is a difficult question to answer. Some say that Purple Strawberries taste the same as regular strawberries, while others claim they taste slightly different. It is hard to say for sure without trying them yourself.
As any strawberry lover knows, not all berries are created equal. The medium-sized Purple Strawberry is a more sweet and succulent type of berry. These berries are known for their flavor and pleasant smell.
They are often used in cooking for their deeper color. They are particularly well-suited for strawberry wine and preserves. So if you’re looking for a delicious and versatile berry, give the medium-sized Purple Strawberry a try.
Purple Strawberries Are Safe To Eat
Yes, Purple Strawberries may look exotic and strange, but rest assured, they are perfectly safe to eat. They’re just as safe as any other kind of strawberry. They contain the same compounds as red strawberries but with different concentrations.
Some studies have shown that they may even have higher levels of antioxidants. There is no difference between them and regular strawberries in terms of safety. They have not been genetically modified, so there is no reason to believe they are unsafe.
The Different Colors of Strawberries
So, how many colors of strawberries are there? If you include the Purple Strawberries, then there are technically four different colors of strawberries. The most common strawberry color is red, but strawberries can be yellow, white, or purple! Within each color, there are different strawberry types.
White Strawberries
White strawberries are more prevalent than you would think; there are several variations:
- White Alpine strawberries don’t develop red coloration as most other strawberries ripen. These berries are native to northern Europe and the Alps. Their unique flavor has gained popularity among chefs, they are prized for their delicate sweetness, and they can be used in various dishes, from jams and jellies to baked goods and salads.
- White Soul Alpine is a child of the White Alpine with tiny yellow seeds as opposed to the original’s red surface seeds.
- White Pineberries combine the flavor of a pineapple with the shape and size of a grape and are white all the way through. They also have red achenes or seed-like fruits. White pineberries produce fruit from late spring until the first frost. They are commonly added to a fruit salad or smoothie.
Red Strawberries
There are dozens of different types of red strawberries, so whatever your preferences, there is sure to be a red strawberry that’s perfect for you. Here are just a few of the many varieties of red strawberries that you might encounter:
- Golden Alexandria berries are known for their excellent yield and flavor. They’re easy to grow in containers or shaded garden areas.
- Lipstick Beach Strawberries are found on the Pacific coast with bright red skins and white flesh. They’re large but not as flavorful as some other varieties. They can tolerate a lot of foot traffic, making them ideal for growing in areas where people walk or play.
- Virginiana berries are small with a ton of flavor. They’re native to North America and spread easily through runners. Virginiana strawberries are perfect for adding to desserts or eating fresh as a snack.
- Mara Des Bois berries have a wonderful scent and are sweet and thick. Mara Des Bois strawberries can grow in gardens or containers.
- Musk strawberries have a high-end flavor popular in Europe. If you’re looking for a truly unique strawberry-eating experience, give musk strawberries a try!
Yellow Strawberries
The Yellow Wonder strawberries are the most prevalent yellow berry. They have a creamy texture and a tropical flavor. They are known for their incredible smell and are popular in high-end restaurants. They are easy to grow and produce high yields, making them a unique berry to add to your garden.
Strawberries: Natural Color
Strawberries start green when they are born, so how do they turn red when they ripen? They gradually grow but remain green. The red color is the very last stage of the ripening process. A few days before the fruit is ready to be picked, the color changes from green to red.
Summary
If you’re ever in the vicinity of a Purple Strawberry, we encourage you to try one. They may not taste significantly different from regular strawberries, but they are unique and fun to eat.
While the Black Strawberry doesn’t actually exist, the Purple Strawberry, a regular strawberry with a different color, was developed at Cornell University in 1999.
These novel berries, created in a Cornell lab, have since become a marvel. While they are still relatively rare, with a little bit of effort, you should be able to find them in a local farmer’s market or grocery store. And if you do spot them, go ahead and eat them – they’re perfectly safe!
Maybe you can be one of the people who help keep this new berry trend going!