New Peach-Sized Strawberry Big On Flavor
September 13, 2016 
‘Archer,’ the latest creation from Cornell University, is comparable in size to a plum or small peach.
Photo courtesy of Cornell University
According to plant breeders at Cornell University, the newest strawberry variety coming out of its program is big enough to fill the palm of your hand.
Topping out at more than 50 grams, ‘Archer’ is the latest creation from Cornell University berry breeder Courtney Weber.
“‘Archer’ is an extraordinarily high-flavored berry,” says Weber, Associate Professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science. “It has an intense aroma, so when you bite into it you get a strong strawberry smell. And it’s very sweet, so you get a strong strawberry flavor that really makes an impact.”
Weber says the combination of large fruit and strong flavor hits the sweet spot for local growers who sell in farmers’ markets, have U-pick operations, and/or roadside stands.
‘Archer’ ripens in June and holds its large size through multiple harvests for two to three weeks.
In addition, ‘Archer’ is cold-hardy, making it suitable for growing in diverse climates throughout New York as well as in places like Michigan and Minnesota and along the Mid-Atlantic from Maryland into the Northeast.
Sporting a durable root system, ‘Archer’ is tolerant to root rots and other common diseases, Weber notes.
‘Archer’ has been licensed to Krohne Plant Farms in Hartford, MI, through the Center for Technology Licensing at Cornell University, and plants can be obtained for spring 2017 planting.
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