Whiteberries
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Whiteberries are a small to medium-sized varietal, averaging 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and have a cordate to conical appearance with broad, curved, sloping shoulders tapering to a blunt tip. The fruits are topped with a dark green cap of lanceolate-shaped leaves, and each leaf is generally pointed with a semi-fuzzy surface. The skin is thin, smooth, glossy, firm, and taut to the touch, but it also has a delicate, easily bruised nature. Whiteberries are known for their white, ivory, and cream-colored hues, and the fruits are dotted with seeds. These seeds ripen from green to bright red, and the color transition is one indication of ripeness. Some fruits may also showcase a faint pink blush. Underneath the surface, the white-to-ivory flesh is soft, aqueous, and tender with a melting, succulent consistency. Depending on cultivation and growing environment, the fruit's core is generally solid but can sometimes feature a tiny hollow cavity. Whiteberries are edible raw when ripe and release an aromatic, sweet, sugary, and fruity scent. The flesh has a sweet, tangy, bright, fruity taste created from a pleasant combination of sugar and acidity.
Seasons/Availability
Whiteberries are available year-round.
Current Facts
Whiteberries, botanically a part of the Fragaria genus, are a European strawberry variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The fruits were developed by Beekers Berries in the Netherlands as a specialty cultivar and are sold as a premium selection to consumers and chefs. Whiteberries are valued for their unusual coloring, soft, melting texture, and sweet, subtly tangy taste. The variety is commercially grown in greenhouses that work to promote sustainability and natural cultivation. Beekers Berries greenhouses use substrate cultivation to grow their strawberries above ground. This allows excess water to be captured beneath the plants, and the water is recycled, filtered, and reused. The strawberries are also pollinated by bee hives placed among the plants, and natural predators are released to reduce the need for spraying pesticides. Creating different types of strawberries is the main focus of Beekers Berries, and Whiteberries are one of the company's more niche specialty products. Whiteberries are chosen in culinary preparations for their visual appeal and bright flavoring, and the fruits are mainly utilized fresh in sweet or savory preparations. In addition to the fruit’s sometimes pink-blushed skin, the plants notably have pink flowers, adding to the variety’s visual appeal.
Nutritional Value
Whiteberries have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. Like other white strawberries, the variety may be a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, vitamin A to maintain healthy organs, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. The fruits also provide some fiber to regulate the digestive tract, vitamin E to protect the cells against the damage caused by free radicals, calcium to build strong bones and teeth, vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, and other nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese.
Applications
Whiteberries have a sweet, fruity, and tangy flavor suited for fresh preparations. The variety is sold as a premium fruit and is not widely available. Limited quantities reserve the fruits as a delicacy, and the strawberries are typically consumed by themselves or served as an edible garnish. Whiteberries can be served on fruit platters or cheese boards as a visually appealing ingredient. The strawberries can also be sliced and scattered over parfaits, placed on crackers and crostini, or topped over salads. Try layering Whiterberries into fruit sandwiches made from spongy, light bread and whipped cream, similar to how Japanese strawberries are used in cream sandwiches. Another variation would be to add fruit slices to a croissant-based cream sandwich. Whiteberries can be served as a stand-alone snack, sometimes dipped in condensed milk or chocolate, or they can be sliced and folded into fruit medleys. Whiteberries can also be used in desserts, including tarts, cakes, custards, and ice cream. Beyond culinary applications, Whiteberries can be used as an edible garnish on a cocktail glass rim to elevate a beverage. Whiteberries pair well with nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, cheeses including brie, burrata, and goat, and fruits such as peaches, grapes, and other berries. Whole, unwashed Whiteberries will keep for a few days when stored in the refrigerator with ample air circulation. It is recommended to immediately consume the fruit for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Whiteberries are just one of several specialty berry varieties developed by owner and breeder Wil Beekers through Beekers Berries. Early in his career, Wil Beekers studied breeding in North Holland through the Hogere Agrarische School, or HAS, and established his first company growing cucumbers in 1991. Beeker spent several years growing cucumbers until he switched paths and began attempting strawberry cultivation in 1995. Beekers’ passion for strawberries grew, and he eventually switched to growing strawberries full-time. Beeker worked closely with his brother-in-law to expand strawberry cultivation in the Netherlands by growing varieties outdoors and in greenhouses, and in 1997, he grew Lambada strawberries, forever changing his business. Beeker also partnered with Hans de Jongh, a well-known breeder credited with preserving and enhancing pineberries in 2010, a variety once on the brink of extinction. The first specialty fruit produced by Beeker and Jongh was the Strasberry in 2007, and later in the 21st century, varieties including Yellowberries, Pinkberries, Bubbleberries, and Whiteberries were released. Beekers Berries advocates for year-round berry production, and their selections of rare berries are often promoted as bringing the taste of summer to tables year-round.
Geography/History
Whiteberries are native to the Netherlands and were created by Beekers Berries, a company based in the province of North Brabant. This region is often claimed to be the birthplace of the strawberry, and Beekers Berries believes the area is known for its fertile sandy soil, which contributes to flavorful berries. Beekers Berries has been producing different types of strawberries and other berries for over 25 years and strawberry breeding is notoriously challenging as numerous offspring are produced to select one new variety. The company has not revealed much of the history of Whiteberries, but the variety is a specialty type released as a premium culinary cultivar. Whiteberries are exclusively grown in the company’s technologically advanced greenhouses and are only produced in limited quantities. They can be found through Beekers Berries and select distribution partners in Europe. Beekers Berries is also famous for PlukExpress, an innovative berry vending machine near their business headquarters where consumers can purchase their favorite berries. The Whiteberries featured in the photograph above were sourced through the Beekers Berries booth at Fruit Logistica 2024 in Berlin.
