This is not just any strawberry! M&S launches sales of WHITE versions of the summer favourite… with a vanilla and pineapple aroma
- The White Pearl strawberry is reportedly as sweet as a traditional red strawberry
- The aroma however is said to resemble pineapple with notes of vanilla
- But there is a premium of around 75 per cent compared with a typical punnet of red strawberries
While it still feels like a lifetime away, nothing says summer like a bowl of juicy red strawberries and cream.
But in a move that may make fruit-lovers blanch, a white variety is on sale at Marks & Spencer.
And while the ‘White Pearl’, pictured, is reportedly as sweet as a traditional red, the aroma is said to resemble pineapple with notes of vanilla.
In a move that may make fruit-lovers blanch, a white variety (pictured above) is on sale at Marks & Spencer
The new type, imported from Florida, costs £3.50 for 200g – a premium of around 75 per cent compared with a typical punnet of red strawberries, which could be imported from as far away as Jordan in winter.
The white strawberries were developed in Japan, using seeds from a white variety crossed with traditional berries.
But Twitter users were divided. While one wrote: ‘Sounds yummy,’ another declared: ‘I’d like my strawberries to taste like strawberries – I’m old fashioned like that!’
M&S is no stranger to innovation in the fruit and veg aisles. Previously, there has been the Limelon, a hybrid between the lime and melon, Candy Floss Grapes, and an Orange Candy Melon that tastes like sweets.
The new type, imported from Florida, costs £3.50 for 200g – a premium of around 75 per cent compared with a typical punnet of red strawberries
M&S boasted: ‘These are truly not just any strawberries… these are new Collection White Pearl Strawberries, the first on the UK high street.
‘With an incredible unique appearance – white on the outside, pure white flesh on the inside and covered in red seeds – it’s a strawberry in reverse!’
The chain’s strawberry buyer, Tom Pedley, said: ‘We love to be first to market and introduce products that no one else can, our customers get really excited when we introduce new flavour produce or hybrids!
‘We’re known for our Candyfloss Grapes, while the Limelon was all over the news so that’s why we had to bring the White Pearl Strawberry to M&S, not only does it have a really unique flavour but it’s incredible to look at, plus, it’s great for kids, who doesn’t want to try a reverse strawberry.’
The red colour of strawberries comes from a molecule that is found in many fruits and flowers and which is called anthocyanin. They are also responsible for the healthy dark coloured skins in blueberries and blackberries.
Anthocyanins are reported to possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, while it is suggested that they may contribute to the prevention of heart disease.
Regular red strawberries make use of a special ripening protein called Fragaria allergen A1 (or Fra a1). The white variety contain very little to no Fra a1, which means they ripen but stay white.
This protein is primarily responsible for strawberry allergies, as a result people suffering this condition may find the white are a safe alternative.
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