A white strawberry described as “Alice in Wonderland-style fruit” has hit Waitrose shelves.
The Dutch pineberries, which display characteristics of both strawberries and pineapples, will be available in 45 stores nationwide for the next five weeks.
The tiny berries, which are white and covered in red pips, have the same genetic make-up as the common strawberry.
Waitrose said the product’s “juicy, sweet and acid flavour with a highly aromatic smell - more akin to a pineapple” inspired the moniker.
Originating in South America, the pineberry started life as a wild variety of strawberry. It was threatened with extinction until seven years ago, when Dutch farmers began growing it on a commercial basis.
The pineberries are smaller than a common strawberry, measuring between 15-23mm, and are grown in glasshouses on coir compost blocks.
The product is on sale at the upmarket retailer for a promotion price of £2.99 for 125g until 13 April before rising to £3.99 a punnet.
Nicki Baggott, fruit buyer for Waitrose, said: “Pineberries offer our customers the chance to add a new fruit into their diet and the berries' bright appearance can add an unusual decoration to sweet dishes.
"As the summer unfolds we won't be surprised to hear that our customers are inviting their friends over for pineberry pavlovas, punch or serving them up with yoghurt for a lighter alternative."
The “old Pineberry” is owned by breeder Hans de Jongh and commercialised by VitalBerry BV in Made in the Netherlands. The variety gives a low yield per plant and smaller sized berries compared to modern strawberry varieties.
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