Pink strawberries are an unusual and intriguing fruit. While most strawberries are red, it is possible for them to come in other colors like white, yellow, and even pink. The color of a strawberry is determined by the pigments, or anthocyanins, it contains. Red strawberries get their color from the anthocyanin pelargonidin. The absence of pelargonidin results in white strawberries, while the presence of other pigments leads to yellow or pink varieties. So yes, pink strawberries do exist in nature! But they are quite rare compared to the common red strawberry. In this article, we’ll explore why pink strawberries are so uncommon, look at some pink-fruited varieties, and discuss how pink strawberries get their rosy hue.
Why Are Pink Strawberries Uncommon?
Red is by far the most common color for strawberries. Most strawberry varieties produce high levels of the red pigment pelargonidin. This gives them their iconic crimson shade. Pink strawberries, on the other hand, contain lower levels of pelargonidin but higher amounts of other anthocyanins like cyanidin. These anthocyanins impart a pinkish coloration. While pink strawberries can and do occur naturally, several factors contribute to their rarity:
Selective Breeding Favors Red
Humans have selectively bred strawberries for hundreds of years. Traditional breeding has focused heavily on enhancing traits like size, yield, and flavor in red strawberry varieties. This has led to the commercial dominance of red-fruited types like the Chandler and Camarosa. Breeding programs have not emphasized introducing or enhancing pink pigments. So pink strawberries are unlikely to be propagated compared to their red relatives.
Pink Traits Are Recessive
The genetics that enable pink strawberries, such as the production of cyanidin instead of pelargonidin, are recessive traits. This means both parents must carry the gene for it to manifest in their offspring. Since red-fruited varieties predominate, it is relatively rare for two pink-gened strawberry plants to cross. And even when they do, only a quarter of their offspring will inherit pink genes from both parents and develop pink fruit.
Lack of Commercial Appeal
Pink strawberries lack some of the visual appeal of red berries for consumers. Their color is less vibrant and may be perceived as under-ripe. So growers are unlikely to cultivate pink varieties on a large scale. The novelty is also not enough to offset the lower yields and delicate nature of most pink-fruited types. So there is little commercial incentive to produce them.
Sensitivity to Environment
The pink pigments in many strawberry varieties are unstable. Factors like soil pH, temperature, sun exposure, and water availability can affect their development. So the fruits frequently fail to reach their full pink potential. Red pelargonidin is a hardier pigment, so red varieties are less susceptible to these environmental pressures.
Examples of Pink Strawberries
While uncommon, pink strawberries can occur both in the wild and among cultivated varieties. Here are a few examples that produce pink fruits:
Alpine Strawberries
These small, wild strawberries native to Europe frequently display light red, pink, or white fruits. They contain a diversity of anthocyanins that results in variable coloration. Alpine strawberries are sometimes used as ornamental plants or novelties.
Pineberries
Pineberries are a relatively new hybrid variety. They have white flesh and a pinkish-red exterior reminiscent of pineapples. Their flavor is mild with hints of pineapple and bubblegum. However, their yields are low, and the fruits are fragile.
Pink Panda
Pink Panda is an unusual strawberry cultivar that exhibits pale pink fruits with dark pink streaks and splotches. It was specially bred in the Netherlands as a novelty fruit. However, it remains rare and difficult to find commercially.
Pink Wonder
This is a heritage variety that occasionally pops up at farmers markets. Pink Wonder is distinguished by exceptionally large, soft pink fruits with superb flavor. But it is notorious for producing low yields.
Pink Pop
One of the few pink varieties grown on a commercial scale, Pink Pop bears dusky pink fruits of moderate size. It is prized for its sweet, perfumed flavor and its ability to hold up for shipping.
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | Small wild berries with variable pink/red/white fruits |
| Pineberries | Pinkish-red fruits with white flesh and pineapple flavor |
| Pink Panda | Pale pink fruits streaked with dark pink |
| Pink Wonder | Large, exceptionally flavorful soft pink berries |
| Pink Pop | Dusky pink fruits; commercially grown |
What Causes Pink Color in Strawberries?
As mentioned, the color of strawberry fruits depends on the anthocyanin pigments they contain. Here is a closer look at how pink anthocyanins result in rosy strawberries:
Lower Pelargonidin
Unlike red varieties, pink strawberries produce very little of the red pigment pelargonidin. Some may have trace amounts, contributing to a light red hue. But most divert their pigment production to other anthocyanins.
Higher Cyanidin
With less pelargonidin present, pink strawberries accumulate higher levels of other pigments like cyanidin. Cyanidin imparts bluish-pink or magenta tones. The more cyanidin produced, the pinker the fruits will be.
Additional Pigments
Other anthocyanins like petunidin and peonidin may also be elevated in pink varieties. Together with cyanidin, these pigments can create soft rosy peach and pink shades. The exact blend determines the final color.
Co-pigmentation
Certain compounds in strawberries enhance or stabilize the anthocyanin pigments, a phenomenon called co-pigmentation. They intensify and brighten pink hues. However, cool weather or overripening causes them to break down, resulting in dull or faded pink fruits.
Acidity Levels
Anthocyanins vary in color based on pH or acidity levels. More acidic conditions shift cyanidin to a vivid fuchsia, while higher pHmakes it appear purplish-blue. Pink strawberries likely have an optimal balance to display rosy cyanidin hues.
Conclusion
In summary, while rare, pink strawberries do naturally occur both in the wild and among specially bred varieties. Their unusual color results from a specific anthocyanin profile high in cyanidin and other pigments, low in pelargonidin. Challenges for commercial pink strawberry production include unstable pigments, low yields, recessive genetics, and lack of consumer demand. But curiosity and interest in novelty produce keeps these unique pink fruits occasionally appearing at markets and specialty grocers. So keep an eye out for pink strawberries if you want to experience their novel look and flavor!