Pineberries (chiloensis) are a trade name given to the Puren White strawberry to promote the berry for the British market. The German name is as Ananaserdbeere, which actually translates as pineapple strawberry. This is the other common given name utilized to promote white strawberries in Europe. The pineberry is merely a novelty fruit compared to all other strawberry varieties and cultivars.

Pineberries are petite and rounded, conical berries that come to a point. They are distinguished by their white to ivory skin with pale hues of blushing pink and studs of red seeds throughout. Unlike common red strawberries, pineberries display aromatics and overtones of pineapple, which is a direct reference to their trademark name. Other aromatic compositions include notes of cloves, caramel and green leaves. Their texture remains true to the nature of strawberries, with a soft, juicy flesh with a melting quality.

Serving Ideas

Pineberries can be used in exactly the same way as other strawberry varieties. All strawberry varieties share several aromatic molecules and volatile compounds as pineapples, making them virtual molecular twins, thus they can successfully replace pineapples in recipes both savory and sweet, creating a library of new opportunities such as pairings strawberries with pork, maple syrup and cloves. Other complimentary pairings include apples, apricots, cream, honey, peaches, cherries, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, basil, ginger, curry, rosemary, olive oil, pepper, soy sauce, tomatoes, pine nuts, cured anchovies, smoked white fish and fresh young cheeses such as burrata and chevre.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Slow Food Chile is eagerly promoting the Puren White strawberry in hopes to expand cultivation of the fruit to guarantee its continued production and relevance as a native Chilean fruit.

Geography/History

Pineberries are native to Chile and received their botanical name (chiloensis) through the discovery of the fruit by Spanish explorers and botanists who referred to the berry as "chili" and described it as an exceptional tasting and easy to eat berry like fruit. Pineberries are the oldest known strawberry and are one of the two strawberries responsible for the creation of the common strawberry we know today. They have been growing wild and in organic cultivation in an area within Chile called the Mananal, which is a sheltered mountain range region overlooking the ocean. They grow in this region during winter and are associated with Christmas and New Year. They are sold directly by the farmers at local markets and trade fairs. It was through the discovery of the pineberries original source material in France that Dutch horticulturists propelled the fruit into commercial cultivation. After six years of diligent research and development, small scale commercial crops were made available in the Netherlands and are now also grown in the UK in greenhouse controlled environments.

Seasons/Availability

Pineberries are available from spring through early summer.