Elly Amai strawberries, imported from Kyoto, Japan, have just become the latest absurdly expensive item at the luxury grocery chain Erewhon in Los Angeles.

The Erewhon store owner said these strawberries are picked at "the ripest moment", then put on the shelves within 24-48 hours.

These are high quality strawberries grown in Japan and are prized for their lack of sourness or astringency. These strawberries are organic, accounting for only 0.002% of Japan's production. Each berry is grown for perfect symmetry, vibrant color, and exceptional size.

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A strawberry costs nearly 20 USD. Photo: NCB

These products are air-freighted from Japan to high-end stores in Los Angeles, USA. "It's faster than broccoli grown in California gets to markets in New York."

The strawberries are picked in Japan two days before being sold in the US and must be eaten within three days of that, said an Elly Amai representative.

"The fast shipping to bring the strawberries to the US still ensures freshness and flavor. That's why the price is so high. You shouldn't mention the price but enjoy these strawberries," said a representative of Elly Amai.

The strawberries have attracted the attention of the online community. On social media, many TikTok and Instagram users have shared videos of them. According to the description of the eaters, the strawberries are delicious and fresh but quite "expensive".

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Strawberries are sold at the supermarket. Photo: NCB

They also wondered why someone would spend such a large amount of money just to eat a strawberry. Some members criticized the high price as only for the rich.

Meanwhile, connoisseurs who are willing to spend money to buy a strawberry to eat happily share that it is "very delicious".

Alyssa Antoci (22 years old, an influencer) recently posted a video clip on TikTok about this strawberry. According to the video clip, Alyssa Antoci opened the box and bit into the juicy strawberry while sitting outside Erewhon's store.

“This is the best strawberry,” she said after tasting it.

Erewhon has 10 stores in the Los Angeles area, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists thanks to the celebrities who shop there. Influencers regularly post about the store's products.

(According to NBC)