The Bijin-Hime Strawberry: A Delicacy Worth the Price?

I absolutely love strawberries; they are my favorite fruit. My mom used to make a homemade strawberry pie for me, and I always added a spoonful of cool whip to the top. Yummy.

Did you know...

there is a type of strawberry called Bijin-Hime that sells for $500 per strawberry?

What are Bijin-Hime Strawberries?

Bijin-Hime strawberries are a variety of strawberries grown in Japan by Mikio Okuda, who has been growing strawberries for 45 years. The name Bijin-Hime means "beautiful princess" in Japanese. They are famous for their exceptional flavor and size. They are juicier, sweeter, and more fragrant than any other strawberry, with a 13-15% Brix level. Bijin-Hime strawberries can grow as big as pool balls and weigh over 100 grams each, three times larger than traditional strawberries. They are often used for decorating wedding cakes due to their size, color, and shine.

It took Okuda Nichio 15 years to develop this variety of strawberries. He produces about 500 berries annually, spending 45 days growing each.

The high price tag on Bijin-Hime strawberries is due to their size, sweetness, shine, fragrance, and color. A single particularly large Bijin-Hime strawberry has sold for a record-breaking 50,000 yen (about $500).

The Bijin-Hime strawberry is also known for its delicate texture, which is soft and velvety. The skin is thin and easy to bite through, making it a popular choice for fruit platters and desserts. While they are primarily grown in Japan, Bijin-Hime strawberries are becoming increasingly popular in other countries, with some farmers attempting to produce them locally. They are a true delicacy and are highly sought by foodies and chefs worldwide.

If you're looking to try Bijin-Hime strawberries for yourself, your best bet is to visit Japan during the peak growing season from January to May. However, if you're unable to make the trip, some specialty grocery stores and online retailers may carry them.

You can also taste an exceptional Japanese strawberry by Oishii grown in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. The Omasake strawberries cost $50 for 8 berries, and you must be able to pick up your order or live near enough to benefit from delivery.

Be prepared to pay a premium price for these luxurious berries, but the unique flavor and texture are worth it for any true strawberry lover.

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