Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits around the world Known for their sweet, juicy taste and versatile uses, it’s no wonder they are a staple in many desserts and snacks However, over the past few decades, strawberries seem to have grown increasingly larger in size. This has left many wondering – why are strawberries so big compared to their wild counterparts?
A Brief History of Strawberry Domestication
Wild strawberries have been around for thousands of years. They are much smaller than commercial strawberries, with each berry typically being less than a centimeter wide. Strawberries started being cultivated in ancient Rome, where early farmers selected and grew varieties with slightly larger fruit.
Over the centuries, farmers and breeders continued to select for larger berry sizes. In 1750, a French spy brought a Chilean strawberry plant to Europe that led to the modern cultivated strawberry This variety had much larger fruits than old European varieties Further breeding in Europe and North America led to our jumbo strawberries of today.
The Role of Polyploidy in Strawberry Size
One of the main reasons strawberries have gotten so large is due to polyploidy. Polyploidy is when an organism has more than two sets of chromosomes. Many plants are polyploid, usually as a result of two related species hybridizing and combining their chromosome sets.
Having extra sets of chromosomes results in larger cells and organs, including fruits. Nearly all commercial strawberries are octoploids, meaning they have 8 sets of chromosomes rather than the usual 2. This gives them cells and fruits that are much larger than wild, diploid strawberries.
Other Genetic Factors Contributing to Size
In addition to polyploidy, specific genetic varieties also influence strawberry size. Breeders select parent plants with superior fruit qualities to cross and obtain new varieties. Certain varieties, like Camarosa and Chandler, are prized by commercial growers for their extra large berries.
Other traits bred for include higher sugar content, firmness for transport, and resistance to diseases and pests. However, berry size has been a top priority. New varieties continue to push the limits of strawberry size boundaries.
The Influence of Farming Practices and Conditions
Genetics alone cannot make jumbo strawberries. Optimal growing conditions and farming practices are also key for maximum berry size. Some important factors include:
-
Daylength – Long days with more light exposure result in higher photosynthesis and more energy for fruit growth.
-
Temperature – Cooler temperatures, especially at night, promote larger fruit size. Heat stress reduces growth.
-
Water – Adequate moisture prevents water stress. Drip irrigation gives precise control.
-
Soil fertility – Proper fertilization provides necessary nutrients for plant and fruit growth.
-
Pruning – Removing old leaves improves light exposure and air circulation for the berries.
In commercial production, high-tech greenhouse facilities allow complete control over light, temperature, irrigation, and nutrition year-round. This enables optimal conditions for jumbo-sized strawberries, regardless of outdoor weather.
Are Jumbo Strawberries Genetically Modified?
While genetics and farming practices have made strawberries increasingly huge, they have not involved genetic modification. Contrary to popular belief, there are currently no genetically modified strawberries on the market.
Genetic modification refers to directly altering an organism’s genes using biotechnology, such as inserting genes from another species. The jumbo strawberries in supermarkets were created through traditional breeding methods, without direct genetic modification.
The Future of Strawberry Size
With advanced breeding techniques and ideal growing conditions, strawberry size continues to trend upwards. However, there is likely a limit, as excessively large berries lose flavor intensity and become prone to bruising and rotting. Moderately large berries around 25-35 grams appear to be the current ideal balance of size, flavor, and texture.
So next time you bite into a juicy, supersized strawberry, appreciate how centuries of breeding, polyploidy, and optimized agriculture have created strawberries larger than ever. Just don’t assume it’s the result of genetic modification! With innovative breeding and farming, we can continue to enjoy delicious, jumbo-sized strawberries into the future.
My one tip for BIG Strawberries!
FAQ
Are large strawberries genetically modified?
Are large strawberries safe to eat?
Are strawberries supposed to be big?
How do strawberries get huge?
Why do strawberries grow so big?
Like with any type of plant, the quality and size of strawberries partially relies on the natural environment—specifically the heat. “We had a really extended cool winter and cool spring with a lot of water [in California],” Feldmann says. Similar weather patterns happened this season on the east coast, according to Samtani.
Should you eat large strawberries?
While some people enjoy large strawberries, there are quite a few who might think twice before eating one. Fertilizers and pesticides are the two main reasons why people steer away from large berries. However, Whidden and Grooms said fertilizers and pesticides serve a purpose, but it is not to increase the size of the fruit.
Why do Americans prefer bigger strawberries than small strawberries?
One is Americans just naturally think bigger is better. Then the other factor, particularly with smaller size fruit like strawberries, is because of the labor situation being so expensive and difficult to obtain. It’s a lot faster to pick a flat of strawberries when the strawberries are large, then it is when the strawberries are small.
Are strawberry berries too big?
Carl Grooms, who is a strawberry grower and the president of Fancy Farms in Plant City, said he’s seen some of the berries get as large as the palm of his hand. “It gets to the point where you could hardly get them into a package of a 1-pound container,” he said noting that buyers in the marketplace thought the berries were too large.
Do strawberries produce large berries?
Depending on the type of breed created in the greenhouses and labs, some strawberry crops produce large berries. Most of the large berries are featured within the first two weeks of March during the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla.
Why do farmers eat more strawberries?
Additionally, farmers make more money when they fill more boxes with fewer, larger strawberries. It’s also easier to pick large strawberries because they’re more visible on the plant and easier to grab. Perhaps we should update the saying “stuck out like a sore thumb” to “stuck out like a large strawberry.”