I Tested a $19 Erewhon Strawberry vs. a Regular One—Here’s the Surprising Result

It's challenging to surpass the flavor of a succulent, crimson, perfectly ripened strawberry, and high-end grocer Erewhon asserts they've discovered the finest-tasting one globally. However, there’s a twist: this premium fruit comes at an exorbitant cost, priced at $19 per individual berry. (Remember when $5 avocado toast caused such a stir?) Predictably, social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about it. While some online personalities argue that the pricy berry justifies its expense, others remain skeptical and dismissive of the fuss surrounding it.

To cater to all the strawberry enthusiasts out there, we organized a blind taste test to determine if the Erewhon strawberry truly meets its reputation.

What makes the Erewhon strawberry so costly?

A perfect solitary berry comes nestled within a plastic case that opens up similar to how one might find an engagement ring in a jewelry box. Positioned with its tip facing upwards, the berry rests on a plastic disk that also serves as a convenient grip for when you take your first bite. Despite looking like it was just plucked at the height of freshness, this strawberry has journeyed more than 5,000 miles all the way from the Tochigi Prefecture in Japan. Much like another premium Japanese fruit product, sumo citrus The berries are particularly sweet. This sweetness comes from their relatively low acidity, which is a consequence of multiple years of careful crossbreeding aimed at achieving just the right taste.

What do people think about this $19 strawberry?

TikTok influencer @alyssaantocii She describes it as the finest strawberry she has ever tasted, but her commentators were skeptical. "There isn’t a berry expensive enough at $19," remarked one individual. Another commentator highlighted how the promotional strategy might influence perceptions: "Were I to spend twenty bucks on just one strawberry, I would likely believe it to be the most delicious one I've ever eaten." Some also raised concerns about the ecological footprint due to the fruit’s extensive travel distance and unnecessary use of plastic wrapping.

What is the proper way to consume Tochiaika strawberries?

According to providers of specialized fruits Tochiaika strawberries are at their prime when consumed freshly picked right out of your hand. Should you store them in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes as colder temps can dull their flavor. Just prior to enjoying them, briefly wash each strawberry, then indulge by taking gentle nibbles and savoring every bite slowly to fully appreciate the flavors.

Is the Erewhon strawberry actually that delicious?

Out of curiosity, we opted to conduct a blind taste test to find out if the Erewhon strawberry truly stands out or is significantly superior to regular strawberries.

Here’s how our tasting evaluation was conducted.

Linda Cheung , a Taste of Home video producer, sent her boyfriend to buy premium strawberries from Erewhon and a pint of Driscoll’s strawberries from Whole Foods.

What our tester thought

During the blind tasting, Linda accurately identified the Erewhon strawberry. She mentioned that it possessed a delicate sweetness without any sour notes and noted its "soft texture." In contrast, she described the strawberry from Whole Foods as having a tangy profile with stronger flavors and a "crisper" consistency. Additionally, she pointed out that the latter was also juicer.

She observed some distinctions in the appearance of the berries as well. The Erewhon strawberry featured tinier, more vibrant seeds, whereas the Whole Foods strawberry boasted bigger, deeper yellowish seeds along with larger foliage. Nonetheless, both strawberries shared similar sizes and shades of red.

The Erewhon strawberry has a price tag of $19.99, whereas a 16-ounce container of Driscoll’s non-organic strawberries goes for $4.29 at Whole Foods. Although Linda expressed that she probably won’t return for more of these premium berries, she still feels content with having had the chance to sample them (even if it meant footing an expensive bill).

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