Pineberries: Origin, How to Find Them, and More Details

What are pineberries?

Pineberries name comes from the words pineapple and strawberry. They are a close relation to red strawberries native to North America. Like the strawberry, they are a low-growing fruit similar to groundcover that features growth known as runners. 

The plants look almost identical to strawberry plants, but their coloring is different. Pineberries do have a pale pink appearance but also feature some pale orange in their color. Pineberries feature red achenes, or seeds, similar to strawberries. They’re also typically a little smaller than strawberries. Pineberries are very aromatic. Their flavor is similar to that of both pineapple and strawberry. Their texture closely resembles a strawberry. 

Where did pineberries originate from?

Pineberries are a relatively modern fruit, having been discovered in South America around 2002. They are primarily grown in Belgium and exported out of the Netherlands. The United States of America first sold pineberries commercially in 2012. Pineberries can be found in markets, restaurants, and bakeries.

How are pineberries grown?

The process of growing pineberries is very similar to how strawberries are grown. 

When preparing to grow pineberries, it’s essential to ensure that either the seeds or plants you are starting with are self-pollinating. They can grow in climates where temperatures reach as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it would be better to grow them in containers or pots where they can be brought in in the event of extreme temperatures. 

Their root system is fair small, and they’ll need roughly 12 inches to ensure they’ll grow successfully. Drainage is essential for their growth. While they need ample water, it’s important to check the soil for moisture regularly. While they need to remain in moist soil, large amounts of sogginess can kill the pineberries. 

They’ll need to be planted in an area with at least six hours of sun a day, preferably in the morning. The more sunlight they’re exposed to, the more of a pinkish tone they’ll take on. However, this won’t impact their flavor.

Pineberries will need space to grow, so plant them roughly 12 inches apart. Once flowers start appearing on the plant, surround the base with mulch to help prevent any pineberries from hitting the ground, which would cause them to spoil quicker. 

Pineberries can be picked as they start to show signs of maturity, which is the pale pink or orange coloring. They typically have a long harvest season from spring through fall. Once they’ve been harvested toward the end of the season, the plants can be cut down to the ground and mulched to prepare for the winter. 

When are pineberries in season?

While pineberries can have availability in the store throughout the entire year, they’re typically in season from May through September.

How do you pick out pineberries in the store?

When picking out pineberries in the store, it’s important to look at their coloring. Look for pineberries that appear firm and have a pale pink or orange coloring.

Shopping for groceries has never been more convenient through Instacart. After selecting items for your order and placing them in your cart, you can use the “Instructions” option to chat with your Instacart shopper regarding any choices or particular directions on how to choose the best pineberries available.

How to store pineberries

Pineberries are delicate and highly perishable fruits. The best way to keep them fresh is by storing them in the refrigerator until they’re ready to be enjoyed. It is recommended that you eat them as soon as possible. If they’re stored properly, they can last for a week or a little longer.

How to tell if pineberries are bad

The best way to tell if pineberries have gone bad is by looking at their coloring. Their coloring will start to shift away from the beautiful pale pink and orange. They’ll also start to lose their firmness and get mushy. Another sign they’ve gone bad is their odor. They should be discarded if they begin developing a foul smell.

What can I substitute for pineberries?

Pineberries may be hard to find, mainly because they’re still so new to the market. Because they have a similar taste to pineapples and strawberries, and they also look almost identical in appearance to the strawberry, it’s only natural these would be the two closest substitutes if pineberries are not available.

Where to find and buy pineberries

You can shop for pineberries and other related produce alternatives through Instacart. Instacart offers a smooth shopping experience with same-day pick-up or delivery to help elevate stress with a busy schedule. For even more convenience, you can have your shopper leave your order at the door, and they’ll contact you through the app to let you know once it’s at your doorstep.

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