Pineberry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pineberry
Genus	Fragaria
Species	F. × ananassa
Cultivar	Pineberry

A pineberry is a special kind of strawberry that looks white and tastes a bit like a pineapple! It has white flesh and bright red seeds, which makes it look very unique compared to a regular red strawberry.

These interesting fruits were first grown in the Netherlands and Belgium. They became available for sale in the USA in 2012.

What Makes Pineberries Special?

Pineberries are known for their unusual look and taste.

• Appearance: Unlike most strawberries, pineberries are mostly white. They get a slight pink blush when they are fully ripe. Their seeds are red, which stands out against the white fruit.
• Flavor: The most exciting thing about a pineberry is its flavor. Many people say it tastes like a mix of strawberry and pineapple. It's often described as sweet and a little tangy, with a hint of that tropical pineapple taste.
• Size: Pineberries are usually smaller than the common strawberries you see in stores. They are often about the size of a cherry tomato.

How Pineberries Were Created

Pineberries are not a new type of fruit found in the wild. They are a special kind of hybrid strawberry.

• Hybrid Fruit: A hybrid fruit is created when two different types of plants are crossed. This is done by carefully breeding them together to get new traits.
• Parent Plants: The pineberry comes from two types of strawberries that grow wild in different parts of the world. One is a strawberry from North America (Fragaria virginiana), and the other is from South America (Fragaria chiloensis).
• Natural Process: This crossing of plants is a natural process that happens in nature, but scientists and farmers also help it along to create new and interesting fruits like the pineberry. The scientific name for this common garden strawberry, including the pineberry, is Fragaria × ananassa. The '×' means it's a hybrid.

Growing Pineberries

Growing pineberries is similar to growing other strawberries, but they need a bit of extra care.

• Climate: They grow best in mild climates, not too hot and not too cold.
• Sunlight: Like most fruits, pineberries need plenty of sunshine to grow well and develop their unique flavor.
• Harvesting: Pineberries are ready to pick when they turn mostly white with a slight pink tint. They are quite delicate, so they need to be handled gently.

Pineberries Around the World

Even though they are unique, pineberries are not as common as red strawberries.

• Availability: You might find pineberries in specialty grocery stores or farmers' markets. They are often more expensive than regular strawberries because they are harder to grow and produce less fruit.
• Uses: People enjoy eating pineberries fresh, just like regular strawberries. They can also be used in desserts, salads, or as a garnish to add a surprising look and taste.