One of the great things about being in Florida this time of year is that strawberries are fresh out of the fields and available in farmer’s markets. I love to gorge myself on perfectly ripe, red and juicy berries. I can’t get enough.
But to my surprise and shock, I recently spotted white strawberries that are also grown locally. “That looks like Frankenfruit!” exclaims Juana. White fruit goes against all of my foraging knowledge (never eat white berries) as well as that of ripening fruit (wait until it gets dark blue, red, etc.) But after a little research, I discover this Japanese developed hybrid is the real deal with the taste of a traditional strawberry but without the allergic effects. It is also called a pineberry.
Juana and I cut some up to put on our ice cream but quickly realize that they won’t stand out on top of cream-colored vanilla. No matter. each of us pops a slice into our mouths and closes our eyes. A yummy strawberry indeed and with a slight hint of citrus. Not bad. I may need to start growing a few.
