Pineberries

What are pineberries?

Pineberries are a type of white strawberry. They are a cross between Fragaria chiloensis (a variety from Chile, also known as coastal strawberry) and Fragaria virginiana (from North America, also known as wild strawberry). They were developed through natural breeding techniques and are not GMO (genetically modified).

In fact, the common garden strawberries we buy from the store or plant at home are also a cross between those same two strawberries. The pineberry was bred for the white and blush coloring, while our standard strawberries were bred for size and deep red color.

Pineberries are white on the outside (sometimes with blush coloring), with red seeds and white interiors. They are larger than wild strawberries, but smaller than the giant ones found at grocery stories.

Pineberries are named for their flavor, which can have hints of pineapple. They are not a cross between strawberries and pineapples, a claim I've seen floating around on the internet.

What do they taste like?

Pineberries taste like strawberries with hints of pineapple, pear, and apricot. Those subtle flavors aren't always present, as several that I've tried taste just like 'regular' strawberries.

When in-season, they are juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic. However, they are less acidic than regular strawberries, which many people prefer as they don't like that slightly sour flavor. Their subtle flavors also come out more when they are room temperature, as opposed to cold straight from the fridge.

The texture of a pineberry is just slightly softer than the larger (and unripe!) supermarket strawberries you find. They are still firm, just not at all crisp or crunchy.

When are they in season?

Pineberry season overlaps with the rest of strawberry season. You might find them locally grown between April and September (depending on your climate). Otherwise, they are shipped in from national growers.

I have seen them show up in grocery stores in early March, which were likely grown in California or Florida. They won't be available at farmers markets in other areas until the weather warms up.

Where to buy pineberries

Pineberries can be grown throughout most of the US so you might be able to buy some at farmers markets around the same time as strawberry season.

In addition to local options, Pink-a-boo pineberries by Wish Farms were introduced nationwide late in 2021. They are grown in Florida for winter shipping and California for spring through fall.

This means you can buy pineberries at most grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Jewel, Safeway, Aldi, and Walmart. I have personally seen them at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Jewel, and Safeway as early as march.

Just like other strawberries, pineberries do not ripen after harvest. For the best flavor, you'll want to seek them out at a farmers market, where there is a better chance they were picked ripe. Or try growing them in your garden, they are hardy down to zone 4.

Selection & storage

The berries should be firm with no signs of mold or deterioration. Look for bright red seeds, a sign they weren't picked extremely early. The most reliable method is to give them a good sniff - they should smell fragrant.

Store them in the fridge, in a single layer so they don't squish each other. They should last a few days there. They likely won't store as long as regular strawberries purchased from the grocery store, as those have been bred specifically for long shelf life.

How to use pineberries

Use pineberries in any recipe that calls for strawberries as the flavor is nearly identical (they have less variation in flavor than types of tomatoes). Their blush pink color can make for a showstopping appetizer, like this pineberry bruschetta with goat cheese & honey.

Substituting pineberries for strawberries

While their flavor is the same, the only difference worth noting when making a substitution is the color.

The white and/or blush color can be used for a showstopping display on appetizers, in salads, a charcuterie board, or set on the rim of a cocktail.

However, their color can be a disadvantage when you're expecting something red, especially since the color can turn a bit off white and unappealing. For example, jams, syrups, and pies made exclusively with pineberries will be an unappetizing color. You can remedy that by mixing in a small portion of red strawberries or other red produce (plums or beet juice).

Other seasonal resources

• Month by month seasonal guides
• Strawberry guide: everything you need to know
• 75 seasonal strawberry recipes (which can all swap in pineberries with similar results except for final color)