THE first Australian commercial crop of heart-shaped strawberries will be harvested in Tasmania next month.
Called Seduberries, they are the brainchild of entrepreneur, Josh Engwerda, 22.
Mr Engwerda, who studied engineering and commerce at Melbourne University, won a competition allowing him to transform a disused newspaper sales pillar in Melbourne's central business district into a mini-shop for a year.
A keen gardener, Mr Engwerda said he came up with the idea about 18 months ago after recalling an article about Japan's famous cube-shaped watermelons, which had sold for 10,000-20,000 yen (A$115-233).
"I thought I could do something with my strawberries and decided to try to make them into hearts for my girlfriend," he said.
Other creative types have used glass or plastic moulds to produce heart-shaped melons and buddha-shaped pears, while vegetables have been grown in the shape of Mickey Mouse.
As well as creating the novel shape as the berries grow and ripen, Mr Engwerda said the plastic cases provided protection from pest damage.
And with six ventilation points around the fruit, there had been no problems with fungal disease.
The moulds will be applied this month to either albion or seascape strawberries growing at Hillwood Strawberry Farm, north of Launceston.
The berries will be available for sale from the pillar at the corner of Swanston and Collins Sts early next month or can be ordered by phoning 0448 417 857.
