The significant disparity in price between Pineberries and Strawberries might have taken you by surprise, just as it did me.
Continue reading to decode more about Pineberry vs Strawberry.
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Pineberry & Strawberry: Similarities
Pineberry is a unique type of Strawberry with a distinct appearance and flavor.
Like Strawberries, Pineberries are typically available during summer and have similar cultivation.
On average, their well-grown plant is 5 to 12 inches tall, and the runners go 6 to 25 inches wide.
The crown sends out runners, which grow and form clusters of leaves on the tip with the roots. As the root set and leaves mature, they produce soft Strawberries and Pineberries.
Moreover, both fruit has a similar structure, with edible seeds on the outer surface and juicy interiors.
On top of being low-calorie, Pineberries and Strawberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They constitute a significant part of breakfast smoothies and desserts and can be used in salads, jams, and sauces.
Interestingly, both plants are susceptible to similar pests like slugs, beetles, and rodents.
Pineberry Vs Strawberry: Differences
Most people confuse Pineberry for an undeveloped Strawberry.
Let me break the ice; Pineberry is a hybrid of two Strawberry varieties, i.e., Fragaria chiloensis (costal Strawberry) and Fragaria virginiana (wild Strawberry).
As a result, Pineberry has the best of both parents and in some way exceeds the regular red Strawberry.
Fruit Size & Color
If you have grown both plants in your garden and missed tagging them, you will have no other way to differentiate the Pineberry Vs Strawberry until the fruiting start.
From Pineberry seeds to seedlings to a grown plant, all the stages look exactly like a Strawberry.
Further, unlike regular Strawberries, that is around an inch to 3 in length, Pineberry bear small fruit, barely reaching 1 inch.
Taste & Texture
All varieties of Strawberry plants are mild to moderately firm and have a cottony mouth fill.
And most of us are familiar with the sweet and juicy flavor of the Strawberry followed by an acidic punch.
However, Pineberry has a flavor profile that combines the sweetness of Strawberry and a subtle pineapple-like taste with a hint of tartness.
Yield & Harvest
The Strawberry and Pineberry will not produce as much fruit in their first year. Depending on the bearing nature, they could be a June bearer or an everbearer.
For Junebeares, you’ll only be able to take a single harvest in June. But evergreen ones start producing fruit from spring till the summer.
However, the year-round harvest would be much less than the single-season harvest. So, you may grow a Thyme plant alongside to get some extra benefits until the main fruit becomes edible.
Regardless of the fruit-bearing pattern, the yield of Strawberries is a little ahead of its cousin Pineberry as its size is smaller.
Price Point
As of today (May 2023), 1 lb of fresh and frozen Strawberries would not cost you more than $2.5. At the same time, Pineberries in the adjacent shell would have a tag from $15 to $35
The range of price difference is due to expensive Pinebeerry seedlings and low-volume production.
The rate is, however, subject to slight changes depending on the growing season.
From Editorial Team
Enjoy the goodness of Strawberry and Pineberry by growing them in a well-draining loamy soil at a temperature between 50°F-80°F.
Remember to water these plants regularly, especially during the fruit-bearing season.
