Take a bite of a sweet ripe strawberry and you’ll likely notice the tiny yellowish specks scattered across the fruit’s surface. But what exactly are these little dots and why are strawberry seeds yellowish or tan in colour? Keep reading for an in-depth guide to strawberry seed coloration.
Strawberry Seeds Are Actually Called Achenes
This may come as a surprise, but the small seed-like dots on strawberries are not actually true botanical seeds! Rather, they are tiny dried fruits called achenes.
While often referred to as “seeds,” achenes do not contain embryonic plants They simply consist of a single fertilized ovary with a seed coat Real strawberry seeds are tiny and embedded within the fleshy part of the fruit.
Achenes give strawberries their dotted texture and allow propagation through distribution when the fruit is eaten. But the achenes themselves are not viable seeds.
The Role of Flavonoids in Strawberry Achene Coloration
So why are strawberry achenes yellow or light tan? The coloration is due to naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids.
Flavonoids are a class of phytonutrients found in many fruits and vegetables, They contribute to the vivid colors of plant foods and offer a variety of health benefits,
In strawberries, flavonoids called anthocyanins give the fruit’s flesh its red pigment. Other flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol produce the characteristic yellow-tan hue of the achenes.
These pigments act as antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Eating the achenes provides the full range of strawberry phytonutrients.
Typical Achene Coloration Varieties
While most strawberry varieties have yellow or light tan achenes, some specialty breeds display alternative colors:
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Yellow – Ranging from pale yellow to deep gold. Most common achene color.
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Tan – Varying shades of light brown. Also a very typical strawberry achene color.
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White – Very rare, seen in a few heirloom varieties like Pineberry.
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Red – Unusual color caused by high concentrations of anthocyanins.
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Purple – Recently bred hybrids like Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch have dark purple achenes.
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Black – Extremely rare and found primarily in wild strawberries. Safe to eat.
Achene Color is Determined by Chemistry
The specific flavonoids and antioxidants present in a strawberry determine the color of the achenes. For example:
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Carotenoids like lutein result in yellow hues.
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Tannins from the seeds’ epicatechin content lead to browning.
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Anthocyanins, if present outside the flesh, create red or purple achenes.
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Lack of flavonoids produces white achenes.
Environmental factors like sunlight exposure, temperature, and soil composition also influence color expression.
Does Achene Color Impact Flavor?
For the most part, achene color has little effect on the taste and texture of a strawberry. However, some subtle differences may be noted:
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White achenes – Often associated with milder, sweeter fruit.
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Purple/red achenes – Tend to have more intense, aromatic flavor.
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Tan/brown achenes – Impart slightly more tannic qualities.
Nevertheless, the juice and flesh remain far more important for flavor than the tiny achenes. Their pigments result in minimal flavor change.
Health Benefits of Colored Achenes
While small, achenes contribute various phytonutrients and antioxidants like:
- Vitamin C
- Fiber
- Folate
- Potassium
- Flavonoids like quercetin
These compounds have been linked to benefits including:
- Enhanced immunity
- Lower inflammation
- Reduced heart disease risk
- Decreased cancer risk
- Better brain health
So don’t discard the achenes – eat them for extra nutrition!
Uses for Strawberry Achenes
Don’t let those achenes go to waste! Here are some ways to make use of them:
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Garnish – Sprinkled atop cakes, pastries, ice cream, etc.
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Texture – Mixed into granola, trail mixes, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.
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Flavonoids – Soak in water for antioxidant-rich “strawberry water.”
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Exfoliant – Grind into a body scrub to slough off dead skin cells.
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Tea – Brew dried achenes into earthy, nutritious tea.
The Takeaway on Strawberry Achene Color
Despite their name, strawberry seeds are actually called achenes – tiny fruits containing seeds. Their color stems from antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and lutein. While achene color varies across strawberry types, the most common hues are yellow, tan, or brown.
So don’t let those colorful achenes go to waste! Eat your strawberries whole for a boost of fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some strawberry achenes dark black?
Extremely dark black achenes are rare and found mostly in wild strawberries. They develop from high concentrations of flavanols. The dark color is harmless – the achenes are still edible.
Can you grow strawberries from achenes?
It’s challenging to grow strawberry plants from the achenes alone. Instead, strawberries propagate via runners and crowns division. Achenes contain seeds, but need ideal conditions to germinate.
What are white dots on strawberries?
Tiny white dots on ripe strawberries are usually either unripe achenes or scars left behind from fallen achenes. They do not affect flavor or indicate spoilage.
Do all types of strawberries have the same colored achenes?
No. While most have yellow or tan achenes, some varieties are white, red, purple, or black. Achene color is specific to the strawberry cultivar and its flavonoid content.
Why do wild strawberries have more achenes than regular strawberries?
Wild strawberries sacrifice flesh size to produce more achenes, improving propagation. Commercial varieties maximize fruit size and minimize achene number for visual appeal.
