Snow-Sweet Delight: Discovering White Strawberries in Japan

The Japanese white strawberry may cost more than your average berry, but it’s worth every cent. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these seasonal fruits. Our content includes details of what they taste like, where they come from, and how to buy them like a seasoned shopper.

What Are Japanese White Strawberries?

A white strawberry, also known as Shiroi Houseki or “white jewel,” is a strawberry variant with white skin and red seeds. The outer skin and inner flesh of the fruit are both white. White strawberries tend to be larger in size than their more common counterparts, red strawberries. When it comes to taste, white strawberries are often sweeter than the red ones.

If you’re looking to buy a white strawberry, Japan is the best place to find it, as the country boasts over 300 varieties of the fruit. This mysterious and rare berry turns heads with its pale appearance and sweet aroma. Its skin turns to a whiter shade as it ripens. Although they share a similar appearance to the pineberries of US regions like Florida and California, Japanese white strawberries undergo a more meticulous cultivation process.

A Sweet Origin Story: How White Strawberries Were Developed

White strawberries have existed in the wild as rare mutations long before commercial production began. Naturally occurring hybrid varieties include white versions of beach or alpine strawberries and pineberries. However, Japanese farmers could not maintain the quality required to produce white strawberries commercially until the 21st century.

Thanks to over 20 years of deep research, they finally succeeded. The first commercially viable Japanese white strawberry cultivar was Hatsukoi no Kaori, or “scent of first love.” It was invented by Miyoshi Agritech and sold as one of Japan’s luxury fruits in 2009, rubbing shoulders with the likes of the crown melon. This breakthrough led to the creation of new varieties by other breeders in Japan. Another famous variety, Shiroi Houseki (White Jewel), emerged in 2012. It was developed by Yasuhito Teshima, head farmer of Teshima Farm in Saga Prefecture, through natural crossbreeding methods and by limiting the plant’s exposure to light from the sun.

Today, Shiroi Houseki is one of the largest and most expensive white strawberry varieties in Japan. There are at least 50 other cultivars in the luxury fruit scene, including Pearl White strawberries and White Rabbit strawberries.

Why Are White Strawberries White?

We may mention a few terms related to agriculture to answer that question. These strawberries get their signature ivory hue from a combination of fascinating genetics and selective cultivation. Japanese farmers start by using traditional cross-breeding techniques, developed from years of research, to cultivate new white strawberry variants. They only cross-breed strawberries possessing traits needed to create the ideal white strawberry. Next, they stunt development of anthocyanin pigment, a natural chemical responsible for strawberry’s red color, by limiting the growing crop’s sunlight exposure. The fusion of both practices gives the strawberries their white color. Thanks to farming innovations, breeders like Teshima Farm and Miyoshi Agritech are able to scale this special cultivation process enough to produce white strawberries on a commercial level.

Are White Strawberries Rare in Japan?

Although white strawberries are available in Japan throughout the year, with a peak season from winter through spring, they are the rarest varieties of strawberries. These fruits are rare for several reasons. Firstly, premium versions are only grown in specific farming regions, such as Saga and Tochigi Prefectures. Then there’s the painstaking crossbreeding and light control process required to create the white fruits. Even after undergoing the procedure, only about 10% of the entire produce develops a pure white color. As a result, these white berries are not only rare; they are also considered luxury strawberries. The presence of any bruise on the delicate white skin or a deformed shape could keep a farmer from selling the fruit.

Flavor Profile: What Do White Strawberries Taste Like?

Generally, white strawberries possess a sweet and fruity flavor with some tropical tanginess. They are super fragrant, possessing an aroma similar to that of pineapples. One bite tends to leave a bright, candy-like sweetness on the taste buds. White strawberries have a soft, juicy, and succulent texture when ripe. Compared to red strawberries, they are less tart, more fragrant, and extra juicy.

Due to their sweet taste and aroma, regular or freeze-dried white strawberries are eaten as standalone snacks or used to make various desserts. They also serve as edible gifts shared in decorative packaging on special occasions.

Culinary Uses of White Strawberries in Japan

There are various ways to enjoy this sweet treat in desserts, snacks, and drinks. Like oranges, they are a good source of vitamin C. They also offer vitamins A, E, and K, along with calcium, iron, and other minerals. Here are the most popular food options:

• Simple snacks: Dip them in dark chocolate or condensed milk to make a basic sweet snack.

• Salads: Slice and mix them with other fruits and vegetables in a salad bowl.

• Desserts: Use them as toppings or ingredients for cake, parfait, ice cream, and cheesecake.

• Cocktails: Place it on the rim of a cocktail glass as a sweet garnish.

Where Are White Strawberries Grown in Japan?

Certain regions are known for producing premium white strawberries. Most of them are located on Kyushu, the southernmost of the four major islands of Japan. The following are the top growing regions:

• Saga Prefecture: Teshima Farm is located in Karatsu, a city in this region. It’s a major producer of White Jewel strawberries. Saga is also a farming region for the pale pink strawberry variants known as Angel strawberries and the extremely rare Snow Rabbit.

• Yamanashi Prefecture: Home to the Hatsukoi no Kaori strawberry, this region contains many parks, farms, and fields that offer strawberry picking to tourists.

• Tochigi Prefecture: This area is the largest producer of strawberries in Japan. Milk berry strawberries, which have vibrant white skin and a creamy texture, are popular in the region.

• Chiba Prefecture: This prefecture is a major strawberry-picking destination in Japan. However, the white strawberries sold in luxury fruit markets are some of the most coveted.

• Nara Prefecture: Koki Maeda, a young farmer from Nara Strawberry Lab, developed the Pearl White variant in a bid to improve the sweetness of white strawberries. Today, it has spread to other regions, such as Shizuoka Prefecture. Nara is also the home of the Pearl Princess variety, also known as Shinjuhime.

When Is White Strawberry Season in Japan?

The best months to find fresh Japanese white strawberries are from December to April. These months fall within winter and the early months of spring. The peak season of these special fruits roughly coincides with that of standard strawberries, which lasts from late December to early May. However, you can have access to these premium, ivory-colored fruits throughout the year if you know where to look and if you can afford them. 

How Much Do Japanese White Strawberries Cost?

Eye-popping premium packs of white strawberries are sold in supermarkets, department stores and fruit boutiques across Japan. Their prices vary depending on variety, region, and store. However, most of them are considered expensive. One White Jewel costs about $10. Snow Rabbit, which is only cultivated by 5 farmers throughout the country, costs roughly $15 per berry and $125-150 a pack. There’s a reason these fruits are so expensive. Because only 10% of the stock turns out pure white and not a pink or blush color, the number of berries that can actually be sold as premium white strawberries is way less than the overall production, making them more expensive.

White Strawberries as Souvenirs: What to Know Before You Buy

The white strawberry is not just a fruit; it’s also the perfect luxury souvenir, thanks to its rarity and unique beauty. You can present them as gifts to friends, family, and even co-workers. Artisans that sell these berries as souvenirs often enclose them in decorative packaging. According to Japanese gift-giving etiquette, presentation should reflect the excellent craftsmanship befitting such a rare fruit. Its exotic box package may be covered with a special fabric known as furoshiki. Avoid red and black colors on your covering, as they symbolize death or bad luck.

At room temperature, your gift will retain its premium quality for a day, after which the richness of its flavor starts to decline. Storing the fruits in a refrigerator can extend their shelf life to 2-3 days. Because of their harvest season, gifting white strawberries often falls within the confines of oseibo (winter gift). It makes sense to include a short note of appreciation in your gift.

Why White Strawberries Are the Ultimate Edible Gift

As a high-end gift, you should present white strawberries on special occasions or after returning from a long trip. Winter holidays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day provide the perfect opportunities to offer these fruits as a gift. The lucky recipient will love their luxurious flavors and the eye-catching appearance of the fruits. It’s enough to make anyone feel special!

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