The white strawberry known as white soul or pineberry is a small white berry with green leaves and red achenes of strong aroma and flavor similar to pineapple, especially when it is mature, being very resistant to diseases.
This strawberry is the product of the cross between two species of American strawberry, the Fragaria chiloensis and Fragaria virginiana, accidentally born hybrid known by the scientific name of Fragaria x ananassa.
From
The white strawberry originated in central and southern Chile, where the Mapuche Indians planted it. A soldier and engineer in the service of Louis XIV took some copies to Europe, specifically to France and then spread to other countries in the world.
In ancient times the first plants appeared in North America and were marketed in Central America where they were commonly cultivated. Migratory birds introduced it to South America But over time, the species was not economically profitable due to the quantity and low yield of its fruits, that its plantation was neglected by the farmers until it was almost extinct.
Characteristics of the white strawberry
Thanks to a group of Dutch settlers who decided to save it, it was again introduced to the French market for commercial purposes. This exotic fruit is little known, difficult to grow and is produced once or twice a year, it is even still in the process of recovery
.With an exquisite flavor and with nutritional values like the common strawberry, it is estimated that the consumption of pineberry provides vitamins A and C that help the proper functioning of the immune system, improve eyesight, oral and skin health.
It also has vitamin B9 or primordial folate which is highly beneficial in cell function and tissue growth, ideal for pregnant women. It contains potassium, useful for balancing blood pressure and muscle function, regulates the heartbeat and prevents heart attacks.
Its fiber reduces cholesterol levels and prevents the absorption of lipids during digestion. It is an antioxidant, it prevents premature aging of cells. Its carbohydrates are healthy, it suppresses the appetite, it can be eaten alone or in salads, desserts, sauces, as a secondary ingredient in entrees and main dishes.
Pests
Among the pests that damage the crops of strawberry plants are:
- The red spider, which appears due to lack of humidity. This is observed when its leaves turn reddish, something that affects its growth since it feeds on the sap of the bush.
- The aphid appears in spring when the temperature rises and attacks when there is excess nitrogen; it is fought with an infusion of garlic.
- The black donut is a larva that feeds on the leaves.
- Snails and slugs bite or scrape the epidermis of fruits, flowers, leaves and even the roots. Filling a container with beer, when the animal comes to drink it drowns.
Diseases
- Powdery mildew is a fungus that sprouts due to high temperatures and humidity in the environment. Covers the underside of the leaves with a whitish hair that is eliminated with fungicide with milk and infusion of nasturtium.
- Gray rot. This disease is spread by spores and develops in spaces with excessive humidity, coating the fruit with a certain type of powder. You have to pick the fruit so that the disease does not spread and apply fungicide with milk or nasturtium infusion.
- Strawberry stain or pox, this being a disease that appears due to the humidity of the environment. In principle can be seen in the leaves stained red they turn white with a purple border. It is necessary to tear them off and combat with fungicide.
Farming
Some care must be taken to obtain healthy and long-lasting plants, especially because of their scarce and expensive fruits. When growing them, temperature changes must be taken into account, the excess of sun and irrigation, the type of soil and its salinity, do not accelerate maturity to avoid its decomposition.
