Marks & Spencer's food shoppers will be used to the food hall’s crazy inventions. First, they brought us the candyfloss-flavoured grape, then the baby kiwi berry and most recently, the limelon.
The hybrid fruits are often big hits with fans, though not everyone is keen on the idea of M&S’s latest invention - the white pearl strawberry. The white berry looks just like the red ones we’re so used to but without its distinctive colouring.
The supermarket describes the new hybrid - which tastes sweet like a red strawberry, with an aroma of pineapple and notes of vanilla - as truly unique. It adds that the white pearl strawberry “is a naturally bred strawberry, developed in Japan, using seeds from Japanese white strawberries crossed with traditional strawberries to produce the perfect size and quality.”
However, fans are divided about the latest creation, which sells for around £3.50 a punnet, with many left undecided. While some were all for the new fruit, others were confused about the concept.
On Facebook, Teri said: “I don’t want a strawberry to taste like a pineapple, I want strawberries to taste like strawberries”. While Rachel said: “They look under-ripened like they have been picked too early....red strawberry for me.”
Chris reasoned “They look horrid and I bet they are tasteless. However, so are the red ones at this time of the year. No doubt someone with more money than sense will buy them but whatever happened to fruit and veg in season?"
However, not everyone was sceptical about the new creation. Carol said: "Nice to see something different."
Lisa added: "This is gold in Japan. I’m excited it’s now available in the UK." And Sam said: "These sounds amazing."
M&S recommends that the white strawberries be enjoyed at room temperature with chocolate cream. Or for what the retailer calls the “ultimate indulgence”, add them to a bowl and top with melted golden blond chocolate spread.
Tom Pedley, M&S strawberry buyer says: “At M&S, we love to be first to market and introduce products that no one else can, our customers get really excited when we introduce new flavour produce or hybrids! We’re known for our Candyfloss Grapes, while the Limelon was all over the news so that’s why we had to bring the White Pearl™ Strawberry to M&S, not only does it have a really unique flavour but it’s incredible to look at, plus, it’s great for kids, who doesn’t want to try a reverse strawberry!”
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