Fragaria x ananassa 'Prelude'

A perennial hermaphrodite deciduous herb.

A small fruited June-bearing cultivar with very easy calyx removal and good processing qualities. Not the same as the 1980 release from North Carolina with the same name. Origin: PERNOD RICARD, France. Primek × sel.; cross made in 1989; sel. in 1991 and tested as 89 J2 145 1; French Plant Patent C.O.V. N° 012271, E.C. Plant Patent N° 98/1325. Tree: short day; very vigorous; earlier than Senga Sengana; upright and open habit; erect flowers trusses; high runner production for matted row cultivation; fruits over the canopy; higher yield than Primek and Senga Sengana; adapted to temperate climates. Resistant to gray mold; partially resistant to Colletotrichum acutatum and medium susceptibility to P. cactorum, in glasshouse tests. Fruit: small round (5–6 g); firmer than Primek and Senga Sengana; good shelf life and shipping quality; caps very easily when picked; dark red external color with bright red flesh; highly aromatic intense, wild strawberry flavor; good balance sugar/acidity. Processing qualities: frozen product excellent when bulk frozen or IQFed; low drip loss on thawing; whole small fruits and bright red color are preserved after cooking; used for toppings and in confections.