7. The Albino Myth
Many people believe that white strawberries are albino variants of red strawberries. This myth is far from reality, hence appreciating these special fruits even more depends on comprehending the facts. White strawberries are not albino plants, which would mean a total lack of colour resulting from a genetic mutation influencing all aspect of the plant. Rather, white strawberries have a particular genetic mutation that influences just the colour of the fruit. Usually green, white strawberry plants’ leaves and stems are same as those of red strawberry plants. Not a total lack of pigment in the plant, the whiteness of the fruit results from a lack of anthocyanin synthesis in the berries themselves. Naturally occurring, this genetic feature has been carefully selected in some variants to accentuate the white hue. Not only does botanical accuracy depend on knowing this difference, but also appreciation of the inherent variety within the strawberry family. It emphasises the miracles of plant genetics and breeding by showing how minute genetic mutations can produce quite remarkable variances in fruit properties.
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