The rainbow strawberry has become an intriguing new fruit popping up on social media and in grocery stores. This brightly colored strawberry has distinct stripes of color running through it, resembling a rainbow. But where did these unique berries come from and are they really rainbow-colored strawberries?
What are rainbow strawberries?
Rainbow strawberries, also sometimes called rainbow swirl strawberries, are simply regular strawberries that have been sliced and infused with naturally derived, plant-based coloring. They are not genetically modified or artificially colored. The vibrant stripes of color are achieved through a process called osmosis. During osmosis, the plant-based colors are absorbed into the surface layers of the strawberry, creating a vibrant pattern. This gives each berry swirls of different colors like red, yellow, orange, green, blue and purple.
While rainbow strawberries may look too good to be true, they are 100% natural and safe to eat. The plant-based colors used to create the rainbow effect are derived from fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers. They create a vibrant look but do not alter the strawberry’s nutrition or flavor.
Where do rainbow strawberries come from?
The rainbow strawberry originates from Japan, created by Chiba prefecture strawberry grower Toshiro Kuwabara. In 2017, Kuwabara debuted naturally colored rainbow strawberries to the public. He had spent 10 years perfecting the technique of infusing sliced strawberries with plant-based colors to achieve a vibrant, rainbow effect.
The growing process Kuwabara uses to create rainbow strawberries is completely natural and safe:
- Strawberries are washed, cut in half, and carefully sliced to open the skin while keeping the berry intact.
- The strawberries soak in a natural coloring made from the juices of fruits and vegetables like carrots, radishes, blueberries, and blackberries.
- The colors are gently absorbed into the surface layers of the strawberry during this osmosis process.
- After drying, each strawberry displays stripes of vibrant colors like red, orange, yellow, green, purple and blue.
Kuwabara was able to achieve a rainbow swirl effect in the strawberries by precisely controlling the slice patterns and soaking times. The result was a unique snack that resembled tie-dyed fruit.
How are rainbow strawberries made?
While Kuwabara used proprietary techniques originally developed in Japan, the basic process for making rainbow strawberries has expanded globally. Small farms and fruit stands can make their own rainbow berries using natural plant-based colors.
Here are the main steps:
- Prep the strawberries – Wash and dry fresh strawberries with green caps still on. Slice each berry vertically into thin slices without cutting through the bottom.
- Make natural coloring – Blend fruits and veggies like blueberries, turmeric, purple carrots, beets, spinach into a smoothie-like liquid. Strain out pulp if needed.
- Infuse color – Submerge sliced strawberries into coloring bath for a few hours. Slowly the colors will infuse into the outer layers.
- Dry and serve – Remove strawberries and allow to dry completely. The colors will appear brighter when dry. Serve for a tasty snack.
This process uses only natural, plant-based coloring from produce and creates an eye-catching rainbow effect safely and naturally.
What fruits and vegetables make rainbow colors?
A variety of fresh produce can be used to derive vibrant colors for infusing rainbow strawberries. Here are some common fruits and vegetables used:
| Color | Fruits and Vegetables |
|---|---|
| Red | Raspberries, cherries, red cabbage, radishes |
| Orange | Carrots, apricots, oranges, sweet potato |
| Yellow | Lemons, bananas, turmeric, yellow beets |
| Green | Spinach, kiwi, parsley, green apples |
| Blue/Purple | Blueberries, blackberries, purple sweet potatoes, purple carrots |
By blending these fruits and veggies into juices or purées, vivid and natural liquid coloring can be made at home to swirl rainbow patterns into strawberries and other fruits like apples or oranges.
Are rainbow strawberries genetically modified?
Rainbow strawberries are not genetically modified or altered in any way. The vibrant colors are infused only into the outer layers of the berry through soaking prepared slices in natural plant-based pigments. The inner core and seeds remain completely unchanged.
No artificial colors or chemical additives are used. The colorful stripes come solely from colorful compounds found naturally in fruits, vegetables and edible flowers. Therefore, rainbow strawberries are non-GMO and 100% natural.
Do rainbow strawberries taste different?
Infusing strawberries with fruit and vegetable juices does not affect the inner flavor or texture. Rainbow strawberries taste just like regular fresh strawberries! The flavor is unaffected because only the outermost layers absorb the colors during processing.
Even though they look very different on the outside, rainbow strawberries taste completely natural. The stripes of color are purely cosmetic and do not impart any flavors from the fruits and veggies used to color them.
Are rainbow strawberries safe to eat?
Yes, rainbow strawberries are completely safe and non-toxic to eat. The plant-based colors used to create the rainbow swirls are derived from edible fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are generally recognized as safe for food use.
No chemicals, waxes or unnatural substances are used during processing. The rainbow effect is achieved solely through infusing the outer layers of the strawberry with natural pigments. Rainbow strawberries are washed and cleaned just like regular berries to ensure they are safe to consume.
Many major food safety organizations have deemed the way rainbow strawberries are colored as safe and compliant with regulations. Always purchase rainbow strawberries from a trusted and reputable source.
Do rainbow strawberries have nutritional benefits?
The nutrition and health benefits of rainbow strawberries are the same as regular strawberries. Since the inner fruit is not modified during processing, the nutritional value remains unchanged.
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium and antioxidants. They promote heart health, improve blood sugar control and may help fight cancer. These key benefits all remain intact in rainbow strawberries.
The only nutritional difference is that the thin outer layers infused with fruit and vegetable juices provide trace amounts of antioxidants, phytonutrients and carotenoids from those plants. But the overall nutritional profile is unaffected.
Where can you buy rainbow strawberries?
Rainbow strawberries are growing in availability at grocery stores, local markets and pick-your-own berry farms in the United States, UK, Australia and Canada when in season. Prices are typically higher than conventional strawberries due to the extra processing involved.
You may find rainbow strawberries at:
- Specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods
- Farmers markets and fruit stands
- Online delivery services like Harry & David’s
- Unique berry picking farms
- Specialty gift shops and floral stores
Availability is limited and selling out quickly is common due to high demand. Check with your local strawberry farms and flower shops to see if rainbow berries can be pre-ordered or purchased when in season.
Can you make rainbow strawberries at home?
It is possible to make DIY rainbow strawberries at home using natural coloring made from fruits and veggies. Here is a simple at-home recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 1 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup blueberries
- 1⁄4 cup raspberries or cherries
- 2 purple carrots, chopped
- 1⁄2 lemon, juiced
Directions:
- Wash and dry strawberries. Slice them vertically without cutting through the bottom.
- Place water, blueberries, raspberries/cherries, purple carrots and lemon juice into blender. Purée until smooth.
- Transfer liquid to shallow dish. Add sliced strawberries and soak for 2-3 hours.
- Remove strawberries and place on towel to dry for 1 hour.
- Once dry, rainbow color effect will appear!
Use your imagination with fruit and veggie color combinations. Soak times can vary from 2-5 hours. Drying properly sets the colors.
Conclusion
Rainbow strawberries offer a fun and festive way to enjoy a classic fruit with a beautiful twist. The vibrant colors are all-natural and safe, created through infusing sliced berries with plant-based pigments. While they provide the same great taste and nutrition as conventional strawberries, their joyful rainbow stripes make them an Instagram-worthy treat!