White Strawberry Dreams: A Rare Taste of Elegance

Have you ever seen a pale, almost light-emitting-looking berry among the regular red strawberries for sale at the store and thought to yourself, “WTF is that?’’ This uncommon fruit is known as the white strawberry, and it’s working its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of foodies, healthy eaters and even amateur gardeners.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of white strawberries—what they are, how they differ, and why you should give them a try. You will also find answers to how-to questions ranging from their taste and price to growing them yourself.

White Strawberry Price: What Makes Them White And Why Are They So Expensive?

If you’ve ever encountered any at a store, you probably noticed the price tag before anything else. They’re a lot more expensive than your average strawberries. But why?

Here’s what drives up the white strawberry price:

Harder to find: A number of varieties are less sturdy and need special attention to keep that pale color.

Reduce yields: Small yield plants may produce fewer berries in a season.

Restricted growing locations: Premium varieties are from controlled environments, even indoors, or specific farms in Japan, Florida or California.

Shorter shelf life: They are more prone to bruising, which makes them trickier to ship and store.

Japan’s White Jewel strawberries, for example, can go for $10 each. In the U.S., a small container of pineberries—the most common kind—typically costs $5 to $8.

White Strawberry Tastes like: Sweet, Mildly Tropical

Ever wonder what a white strawberry tastes like? You’re not alone.

What does it taste like Most people say that:

Less Tart than Red Strawberries

Sweeter and more aromatic

1 medium pineapple OR pear(Longer boiling times if have too much steam)60 to 90 minutes depending on quantity.

To some people they even taste like a mix between strawberry and tropical fruit.

Anecdote: During brunch once I passed off a pineberry to a skeptical friend. He bit down, and paused: “Wait … is that pineapple?” It’s a surprise — but a delicious one.

The flavor can vary a bit by type but most people find that white strawberries are perfect for snacking or using in baking and desserts to give them just the right sweet hint of delicious.

White Strawberry Where to Buy: Best Places to Get Them

You’re more likely than ever to come across white strawberries in stores, but they remain a specialty item. So, if you want to know where to buy white strawberries, here’s a place to start:

In-Store Retailers

Whole Foods

Walmart

Publix

Aldi

Winn-Dixie

These shops have a tendency to carry pineberries when they’re in season (more on that later).

Online Retailers

Melissa’s Produce

FreshDirect (seasonal availability varies)

Tip: Check the refrigerated fruit section and look for labels with names like “pineberries,” “Berry de Blanc” or “Florida Pearl.”

Plant a White Strawberry: Can They Be Grown at Home?

Yes, you can grow your own white white strawberry plant — and it’s getting more popular.

Here’s what you need to know to begin your day.

Best Varieties to Grow

Pineberries – Perfect for U.S. climates

Alpine white strawberries – Perfect for colder climate 10.

White Soul and White Delight – Smaller fruit, very rich flavor

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: 6–8 hours per day

Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic

Spacing: 12–18 inches apart

Water: Maintain moist soil; don’t let it dry out completely

Gardner’s tip: To better manage moisture and prevent rot, you may want to grow them in containers or raised beds.

With proper care, you can expect your white strawberry plants to bear fruit by the beginning summer!

White Strawberry Seeds: What to Know Before You Plant

If you’re considering beginning with white strawberry seeds, here’s what to know:

Pineberries and hybrids like them cannot be grown from seed — they require propagation from starter plants or runners.

Thus far, alpine white strawberries are available by seed and can be found in some seed catalogs or online nurseries.

Tips for Starting from Seed

For the last frost, begin seeds inside 6–8 weeks.

Start seeds in a seed-starting mix, and maintain the temperature around 70°F.

Water the soil lightly to maintain moisture.

When the sprouts are out, plant them in pots or garden-bed.

Patience is needed when growing from white strawberry seeds, but it can be rewarding — especially if you want a taste of alpine varieties’ unique flavor and appearance.

White Strawberry Season: When to Buy Fresh

The white strawberry season varies according to the particular variety and growing location.

U.S. Season (Pineberries)

Florida: November through April

California: January through October

Japanese White Strawberries

Among the crops grown year-round in greenhouses, but at peak freshness late winter to early spring.

Home Gardeners

As for when to harvest, there are a few different options depending on your climate, but usually you’ll be harvesting in late spring or early summer.

To get the best flavor and texture, shop during white strawberry season’s peak — that’s when they are freshest, sweetest and cheapest.

White Strawberry Health Benefits: Reasons Why They’re Good for You

You may be asking yourself — are white strawberries healthy? The answer is yes.

While they are different in color, white strawberries also contain many of the same vitamins and minerals as their red counterparts, plus a few potential bonuses.

Nutritional Benefits

Full of antioxidants, such as ellagic acid and polyphenols

Adequate supply of vitamin C, fiber and potassium

Reduced acidity, which is easier on a sensitive stomach

Potentially hypoallergenic: containing low of amounts Fra a1 protein which is the most important allergen and has been proven to induce allergic reactions.

The white jewel strawberry, bred in Japan, has antioxidants that have been shown to lower inflammation and help with immunity, researchers say.

White Strawberry Inside: What Lies Under the Skin

You’ve never had this experience before, slicing into a white strawberry. While most are not red in the middle; white strawberries outside, on the inside are:

Pure white or pale cream-colored

Often softer in texture

Sometimes with a slight pinkish core (especially in pineberries)

Juicier but more delicate

This makes them perfect for snacking fresh, fragile desserts or in any recipe where looks are important.

Final Thoughts

It may look like a novelty, but the white strawberry is full of flavor, nutrients and history. Whether it’s a pale hue that catches your eye, its tropical taste or the possibility of growing your own, this fruit is more than just an insipid pretty.

From rare Japanese breeds to the commonplace pineberry, there has never been a better time for diving into the world of white strawberries. So don’t let them pass you by next time you see them at the nursery or in your garden catalog — bring a little magic home with you.