White strawberries
Breton farmer now producing rare variety of French Plougastel strawberries
Gariguettes are the most popular strawberries, but are in fact a mix of local fraise des bois and this white strawberry that was brought to France from Chile in the 18th century.
Julian Helies, a young strawberry producer, says that they are closer to lychees or mangoes with a very tender and juicy flesh.
Harvest began mid May with 50-80 kilos per week. ''It is a variety which is much harder to produce than gariguettes'' says Julian Helies, 'they need about double the work''. The producer has started to deliver his strawberries to restaurants who appreciate the flavour, but some consumers find the colour ''sad'' whilst others enjoy the flavour that is ''not too sweet''.
Consumers will have to wait at least 3 or 4 years before these strawberries will be on the market at €25-40/kilo.