A visually striking fruit dubbed “pink blueberries” has recently gone viral on Chinese social media, sparking widespread discussion due to its dreamy pastel appearance and unusually high market price.
The fruit, which has been mistaken by some netizens as an AI-generated image, is in fact real. It is mainly associated with the “Pink Lemonade” blueberry variety, which was introduced into China as early as 2012.
According to reports, the variety has existed for years but remained relatively niche due to limited large-scale cultivation, poor adaptability in certain growing conditions, and modest market demand.
As online attention surged, the fruit’s price reportedly climbed to as high as 800 yuan per kilogram (around RM1,000–RM1,500), driven largely by scarcity and social media hype.
Experts from agricultural institutions clarified that the pink coloration is a natural result of selective breeding and is not due to artificial colouring or genetic modification, as some online claims suggested.
They also noted that fully pink blueberries are rare, with most ripe fruits displaying a mix of pink and purplish tones rather than a uniform colour.
Agricultural specialists further debunked viral claims that pink blueberries contain significantly higher levels of anthocyanins compared to regular blueberries, stressing that nutritional value cannot be judged solely on pigment levels.
Despite the growing buzz, the fruit is not widely available in supermarkets or e-commerce platforms, with most listings coming from social media posts rather than verified commercial supply.
Experts also warned consumers against misleading marketing of “pink blueberry seedlings,” adding that some sellers may be passing off ordinary or unverified plant stock as premium varieties.
They advised that home cultivation is not straightforward, as the variety requires cross-pollination and is not suitable for casual gardening, urging buyers to be cautious amid rising online hype.
